I've been looking back this past week at some of the things I had planned, and the events that come out of nowhere to modify those plans. The killer event in my case was my bout with pneumonia last January. Before that struck, I was loafing along on Episode 7, having the germ of an idea, and in the process of doing research and making notes. This is always a most enjoyable part of the process for me, and I was having a ball. Then the pneumonia struck, and I was either spacey and out of it, or fully unconscious for two whole months. I didn't realize that I was out of it when I was in physical therapy, but I was so full of drugs that I couldn't begin to think. My daughter brought me a steno pad in rehab, and I just found it. These are the notes I wrote during the first few days:
"The family Boedekkerers huntingis people.
Plot's farifi Chinese - rescue from std verses.
Lesions - young nobleman serik - L tcikbc - Him or valet? Did they get right one?"
Pretty profound, eh? Not only the text, but the handwriting itself looks like a dying crackhead was trying to write his will on the back of a milk carton. This is the first objective look I've gotten at just how deeply the drugs affected me. During the two months of home convalescence, March and April, I had sixty solid days to be writing. I couldn't concentrate, couldn't keep things straight, until my body finally threw off the lingering effects of the painkillers and stabilizing narcotics I had been given intravenously in the hospital, and by cups full of pills three times a day in the rehab center. The last week of April, I finally came out of it, and started producing copy again, and then I was immediately back to work. The end effect? I had planned on publishing Volume II in November, or even a little earlier, to catch the Christmas market. Instead I am looking at a spring 2015 date. I have been putting February about, but I probably won't even make that.
The upside? In the interim, I met my fantastic cover artist, Aidana, who had some fabulous suggestions for the art which in turn led me to some much-improved ideas for titles. Yes, they'll have titles now, not just numbers, and this will include the second edition of Volume I, which we plan to re-issue with a WillowRaven cover. Small wonder that in the Orient, disaster and opportunity are the same word. Sure would like to get the second book out earlier. My handful of fans of the first one deserve it. But they also deserve quality work, and they shall have it; patience, my lovelies!
Before I was introduced to steampunk, which has captured my heart like no other genre, I tried my hand at writing other things, mostly fantasy. None of it was ever published, but one of the novels I finished, and I am certain the best of them, was The Wellstone Chronicles, a "cozy" fantasy with only five main characters that followed the quest of two mismatched champions attempting to recover a purloined magical stone that meant life to a colony of refugees clinging to the coast of a dark and untamed continent. I have considered publishing it through Createspace in the interim, and have even done some formatting work on it, but my concerns are that, A) It would rob even more time from Beyond the Rails, which is already painfully behind; B) If it's good, it would tend to distract me from my work on steampunk by creating set of fans who would want more of it; and C) If it isn't good, it would serve to destroy the good name that BtR has begun to establish. So in many ways, the answer is no, you won't see Wellstone as a book, but it is out there in blog form somewhere, and if there is any demand for it behind this post, I may establish a link from here. Time will tell...
Now before I move on the usual items, allow me to introduce you to Archangel, an on-line steampunk web series production by Museum Replicas, actually a catalogue specializing in reproductions of historic, movie, and fictional weapons, clothing, and accessories. This production has a really good look to it, and I highly recommend that any fans of the genre (and why else are you reading this blog?) pay a visit, and return frequently. Part of their intent is obviously to sell series-related gear, but who can hold that against them? That's just business. Here is their synopsis:
The upside? In the interim, I met my fantastic cover artist, Aidana, who had some fabulous suggestions for the art which in turn led me to some much-improved ideas for titles. Yes, they'll have titles now, not just numbers, and this will include the second edition of Volume I, which we plan to re-issue with a WillowRaven cover. Small wonder that in the Orient, disaster and opportunity are the same word. Sure would like to get the second book out earlier. My handful of fans of the first one deserve it. But they also deserve quality work, and they shall have it; patience, my lovelies!
Before I was introduced to steampunk, which has captured my heart like no other genre, I tried my hand at writing other things, mostly fantasy. None of it was ever published, but one of the novels I finished, and I am certain the best of them, was The Wellstone Chronicles, a "cozy" fantasy with only five main characters that followed the quest of two mismatched champions attempting to recover a purloined magical stone that meant life to a colony of refugees clinging to the coast of a dark and untamed continent. I have considered publishing it through Createspace in the interim, and have even done some formatting work on it, but my concerns are that, A) It would rob even more time from Beyond the Rails, which is already painfully behind; B) If it's good, it would tend to distract me from my work on steampunk by creating set of fans who would want more of it; and C) If it isn't good, it would serve to destroy the good name that BtR has begun to establish. So in many ways, the answer is no, you won't see Wellstone as a book, but it is out there in blog form somewhere, and if there is any demand for it behind this post, I may establish a link from here. Time will tell...
Now before I move on the usual items, allow me to introduce you to Archangel, an on-line steampunk web series production by Museum Replicas, actually a catalogue specializing in reproductions of historic, movie, and fictional weapons, clothing, and accessories. This production has a really good look to it, and I highly recommend that any fans of the genre (and why else are you reading this blog?) pay a visit, and return frequently. Part of their intent is obviously to sell series-related gear, but who can hold that against them? That's just business. Here is their synopsis:
~ The city of London, the Year is 1893 ~
This is not the romantic Victorian metropolis we’ve come to know at the end of our 19th Century. Rather, it is a steampunk world that H.G. Wells or Jules Verne would have imagined.
The last fifty years have brought advancements in just about every aspect of human endeavor. The world has harnessed the might of steel and the power of steam. Men have conquered the skies, the seas and energies never dreamed imagined. It should be a time of peace and great celebration. But as the world’s technology progresses, so does the vermin that infest and prey upon the weak. People can no longer live free or without fear. Skyraiders, crime bosses and gangs now control London and other capital cities throughout the world. And, the infestation is spreading.
These enemies strike from the air with their powerful lighter-than-air warships and descend upon the cities of the world without warning. They attack worldwide ports with ships of iron, which can submerge beneath the waves, free from any counterstrikes. Governments promise protection, however the underworld juggernaut, known as The Legion, have placed many of their puppets within the ruling class and pay them to look the other way at these raids.
However, a new resistance is forming. It has started in the city of London and is growing. It is lead by a vigilante known only as, The Archangel. His methods are vicious, his purpose is known. He and his freedom fighters will not rest until every last one of these villains lay dead by their hands.
Does that get your attention, hmmmmm? Okay, here we go:
THE BLIMPRIDER CHRONICLES
Writing Progress: The big news this week is that I have completed Episode 10, L'Infirmiere, and it is now open for beta-reads at writing.com. You have to be a member to read it, but membership is free there, and all my cats and kittens are cordially invited to join in for the read and commentary, and, oh, all the other things the half-million members have on offer. There is truly something for everyone there.
The Writing Life: I had hoped to announce the opening of my own group here, but well into the third day, I am still waiting approval from the main site, The Steampunk Empire. I have spoken here of being spread too thin, and this might look like I'm digging a deeper hole, but bear with me. I have sought on many sites the on-line equivalent of one of those classic little cafes where writers hang out discussing the craft. I haven't quite found it. Some are close, but all that I've found have a little different thrust that draws them away from that model. If they let me stand this up, and really I don't know why they wouldn't, you will be able to find it here. If it stands up, I will have this blog, and that group, and will be able to divest myself of pretty much everything else. Writing.com will be where I post for beta-readers, Goodreads will be where I advertise, and I'll keep my S.W.A.G. membership for the "cool" factor, but really, that site is pretty much dormant. Once Scribblers' Den comes up, I'll have to make some sweeping changes to my welcome page, but hey, the whole world is a process, right?
Friends up to Mischief: I have a very important blog post to share with you this week. My young friend Elle Todd has reblogged a post from Tahlia Newland about book evaluation sites, and why readers and writers both need them. These are sites that will read an indie's work and without passing judgment on plot, format, or characters, will announce to the world that the author knows the difference between there and they're, your and you're, and doesn't use words like "supposably." If these sites catch on, they could be the missing key that enables a reader to choose an indie's book without the uncertainty of whether he's paying money for some unreadable dreck, which, let's face it, a lot of indie work is. Other friends blogging this week include Jazzfeathers at The Old Shelter blog, who has posted a photo collage of jazz-era items, and an old friend, Sandy aka Doris the Great, who blogs at Aging Disgracefully, and has posted a couple of recipes, one for Dum Paneer Kali Mirch, a spicy Indian dish, and the other for Citrus Roasted Tofu. Not to be missed, if that's your persuasion, and I'm informed that if you aren't a tofu fan, the citrus roasted variety may change your mind.
The Writing Life: I had hoped to announce the opening of my own group here, but well into the third day, I am still waiting approval from the main site, The Steampunk Empire. I have spoken here of being spread too thin, and this might look like I'm digging a deeper hole, but bear with me. I have sought on many sites the on-line equivalent of one of those classic little cafes where writers hang out discussing the craft. I haven't quite found it. Some are close, but all that I've found have a little different thrust that draws them away from that model. If they let me stand this up, and really I don't know why they wouldn't, you will be able to find it here. If it stands up, I will have this blog, and that group, and will be able to divest myself of pretty much everything else. Writing.com will be where I post for beta-readers, Goodreads will be where I advertise, and I'll keep my S.W.A.G. membership for the "cool" factor, but really, that site is pretty much dormant. Once Scribblers' Den comes up, I'll have to make some sweeping changes to my welcome page, but hey, the whole world is a process, right?
Friends up to Mischief: I have a very important blog post to share with you this week. My young friend Elle Todd has reblogged a post from Tahlia Newland about book evaluation sites, and why readers and writers both need them. These are sites that will read an indie's work and without passing judgment on plot, format, or characters, will announce to the world that the author knows the difference between there and they're, your and you're, and doesn't use words like "supposably." If these sites catch on, they could be the missing key that enables a reader to choose an indie's book without the uncertainty of whether he's paying money for some unreadable dreck, which, let's face it, a lot of indie work is. Other friends blogging this week include Jazzfeathers at The Old Shelter blog, who has posted a photo collage of jazz-era items, and an old friend, Sandy aka Doris the Great, who blogs at Aging Disgracefully, and has posted a couple of recipes, one for Dum Paneer Kali Mirch, a spicy Indian dish, and the other for Citrus Roasted Tofu. Not to be missed, if that's your persuasion, and I'm informed that if you aren't a tofu fan, the citrus roasted variety may change your mind.
STEAMPUNKS IN THE NEWS
Steampunk gears up for a broader audience
Entertainment Weekly
- Sep 16, 2014
As a sensibility, steampunk — a word that evokes old-timey aviator goggles, brass machinery, and, of course, steam engines — is nothing new. It's trickled into the mainstream on numerous occasions over the years, from the frontier gadgetry of The Wild ...
Hundreds attend Europe's largest steampunk festival in Lincoln
BBC News
- Sep 13, 2014
The annual Lincoln festival, now in its sixth year, attracts people from around the world wearing pseudo-Victorian costumes. The event, known as The Asylum, takes over the castle grounds and surrounding historic buildings for three days. Steampunk has ...
Weekend at the Asylum 2014: Europe's biggest steampunk festival – in pictures
The Guardian
- Sep 15, 2014
Weekend at the Asylum is an annual gathering held in the cathedral city of Lincoln. Now in its sixth year, it has become the biggest steampunk event in Europe. Throughout the weekend devotees dress up in elaborate costumes, attend lectures, balls and ...
CameraPunk Wants to Help You Steampunk-ify Your Camera Gear
PetaPixel
- Sep 13, 2014
If the steampunk sci-fi sub-genre is something you take interest in, the CameraPunk camera accessory lineup is right up your alley. As the name suggests, it's a collection of steampunk-inspired accessories designed for a very unique niche of photographers.
And that's 30 for this week. Play nice, look out for one another, and above all else, get out there and live life like you mean it!
Entertainment Weekly
- Sep 16, 2014
As a sensibility, steampunk — a word that evokes old-timey aviator goggles, brass machinery, and, of course, steam engines — is nothing new. It's trickled into the mainstream on numerous occasions over the years, from the frontier gadgetry of The Wild ...
Hundreds attend Europe's largest steampunk festival in Lincoln
BBC News
- Sep 13, 2014
The annual Lincoln festival, now in its sixth year, attracts people from around the world wearing pseudo-Victorian costumes. The event, known as The Asylum, takes over the castle grounds and surrounding historic buildings for three days. Steampunk has ...
Weekend at the Asylum 2014: Europe's biggest steampunk festival – in pictures
The Guardian
- Sep 15, 2014
Weekend at the Asylum is an annual gathering held in the cathedral city of Lincoln. Now in its sixth year, it has become the biggest steampunk event in Europe. Throughout the weekend devotees dress up in elaborate costumes, attend lectures, balls and ...
CameraPunk Wants to Help You Steampunk-ify Your Camera Gear
PetaPixel
- Sep 13, 2014
If the steampunk sci-fi sub-genre is something you take interest in, the CameraPunk camera accessory lineup is right up your alley. As the name suggests, it's a collection of steampunk-inspired accessories designed for a very unique niche of photographers.
And that's 30 for this week. Play nice, look out for one another, and above all else, get out there and live life like you mean it!