QE Results for May and the Three Energies of Creative Production Theory

Feet firmly planted on Beale St.

In January I wrote a blog post entitled Queer Eye, My Daughter, and I where I related some of the experience and pleasure I had binge-watching the two season of the show with my daughter over the holiday break, and in doing so basically laid out a self-improvement (or self assessment, at least) plan for the year.  The plan involves taking an honest inventory of where am in life with regards to five categories, as I see them, as exemplified by the men on the Netflix show Queer Eye.  And so, an honest assessment on my performance for May in the five QE categories:

KARAMO: "Culture, Confidence, Put yourself out there". 4.5 stars. I wrote 200 pages, with more of a day to day, week to week balance than I had with April's photo finish. I did not write enough fiction, I am afraid, and blaming it on my two lengthy business trips would be a little disingenuous, although I have this "Three Energies" theory when it comes to creative production. In short, I believe there are three different types of energy you need to have to be able to successfully perform your chosen art:

Activation Energy: This is the energy required to generate a new idea and actually get started on bringing it to life--writing the first page, getting the first notes recorded, making some marks on the canvass. I have this in spades; I've got dozens of story ideas supported by outlines, notes, and the first twenty or so manuscript pages. They are stacked up in my mind and my hard drive like airplanes awaiting clearance for takeoff

Sustaining Energy: This is the energy required to just put your head down and keep working toward the finish line even when every page is more like slogging through a dismal swamp than it is like skipping through a lush garden as it often is during the activation energy phase. This is the form of creative energy, for myself, anyway, that is most likely to be drained away like your cellphone's charge when you are out of network and surfing the web by the vagaries of life. The bad day at work, the routine broken, the unpleasant news, the glance at a finished project so much better than your WIP--all can suck that spirit right out of you. My sustaining energy does take a hit when the non-writing work and travel amp up, but I've been at the game long enough to figure out ways to compensate for this.

Finishing Energy: This is the energy--some would say the moral fortitude--to actually finish off a project and pronounce it done (which isn't at all the same thing as being fully satisfied with the project; frankly that never happens). Getting through those last twenty pages, writing your last line, completing the draft, etc. I've got this one in spades, too--and I'm thankful for that, because I actually think this is the energy many creative people struggle with the most.

One of my trips brought me to Memphis, and I was overjoyed to have a night to myself which almost never happens for work trips. I made the most of it with a sunny stroll down Beale Street and visited a couple of my favorite haunts there.

Despite my dearth of sustaining energy writing-wise, I did get out quite a bit this month--I joined my friend and HWA Mentor award-winning JG Faherty in a beautiful part of New York on a torrentially rainy night for the Rockland Teen Library Association's book launch party for Scrawl, a student anthology that Greg and I helped edit. I got to give a speech and I gave every one of the students that had a story in Scrawl a free copy of Generation Dead. It was a fun night.

Two smooth guys. JG Faherty and I

Kim and I went to an opera at the Garde Arts Centre--Verdi's Don Carlo, our first. I loved the music; we were seated in the first row so I could see every draw of the bow on the strings. 

I also started going out to the movies weekly with my father...more on that in the upcoming What I Watched: May blog. I've eaten more popcorn in the past month than I have in the previous year, easily. And I like popcorn.

This came out. Translation: The Curse. There's no curses in the movie or the book...talk about a red herring! 

TAN: "Make an effort with your personal appearance". A raise to 3. I've been going out more and have gotten better at dressing accordingly; the concert t-shirts are now relegated mostly for lounge-around-the-house wear. I'm putting all of my new slimmer fitting clothes to actual use.

Me making an effort with my personal appearance at Tater Red's. I'm well aware I'm cenobite-esque, thank you very much

BOBBY: "Create and maintain a physical environment that promotes productivity, creativity and inner harmony". I'm keeping it at 3.5, mostly because of more work on the yard and a quick tidying of my home office. I also got the pool opened up--and the pool is huge in promoting "productivity, creativity, and inner harmony" but I'm having a little trouble getting the chemistry of it just right, which has never happened before.

ANTONI: "Make nutrition healthy and enjoyable, cook for others". 2.5 still. Kim and I hosted the family for a Memorial Day cookout and I made potato salad and manned the grill--rather pedestrian, just burgers and dogs but I will say they were cooked perfectly and according to taste. Stuck to my diet but wasn't irrationally rigid about it either.

JONATHAN: "Take care of yourself physically" Staying at a 4.  I ran 118.6 miles, making May my fifth consecutive +100 month, a feat I'm certain I've never done before in my life. In five months, I've eclipsed my totals for the entire years of 2018, 2016, 2015, 2013, and 2012. I started keeping track of such things in 2011, the year I set my personal best, and now only that and 2017 (I beat 2014 on the first day of June!) stand in my way for a new yearly record. 

Some lifting, but not as consistent as I'd like to be. But the results are starting to show...

 17.5 my high but with only one bump in one category. Progress is progress, though.

Reading/watching/listening posts will soon follow.

I combine reading and listening, and writing, in my novel Aural History, which you can find HERE, along with my other ghost/zombie/human/punk/metal/sporto novels below...

Generation Dead Optioned for Television

I'm happy to report that the paperwork is done and that the Generation Dead series has been optioned for television. Apparently there is some other zombie-related show on tv now that is sort of popular or something--so I'm certain there is a huge audience that will accept Phoebe and her undead pals into their homes on a regular basis. You would, wouldn't you? Let's play casting director! Who would you have as Phoebe if you called the shots? As Adam? Karen? Tommy? As that kid who threw a corn cob at Tommy? Who does that? January Jones would be excellent as Angela Hunter; I wonder if she's busy?

Appearances by Me and Other Strange Creatures

I will be at the SW CT Youth Book Expo signing books and hanging around this Saturday with a horde (some would say a ravenous horde) of fellow authors of books for young people. More info is HERE

Also,I discovered that my pet is the rarest of dog breeds. I give you: the treagle!

Salem Literary Festival

I've been asked by the one of the wonderful editors of DEAR BULLY (click the link for maximum Beiber and info on the book and it's raison d'etre), Megan Kelley Hall (visit her here:Megankelleyhall.com to sit in on a panel promoting the book and the cause at the Salem Literary Festival in mega-awesome Salem, MA. I have an essay in Dear Bully that tells the secret origin of the Gen Dead series. I'm glad to go, because both Megan and Salem* rock.

Also rockin' is Megan's co-editor Carrie Jones, who you can visit at her website here: CarrieJonesBooks.com. One thing I know about Carrie is that she really likes Grover. Like, a lot.

The Festival is Sept. 23-25. I hope that I will see you there.

*Special Salem/Gen Dead trivia: both Increase and Cotton Mather had a role in the Salem Witch Trials** I loosely based my arch-bioist character Reverend Nathan Mather on some of their less pleasant beliefs and personality quirks.

**Special bonus book recommendation: track down the Shirley Jackson book on the Salem Witch Trials, a very quick and insightful read. Then read her novels. All of 'em.

Unicorns, Writers, and Winners

I will be a guest speaker at the Unicorn Writers' Conference at Saint Clements Castle in Portland, CT this April 9th. A Castle? Unicorns? Writers? All that was missing was a troll for under the drawbridge, which was why they called me.

Actually, they called me at the suggestion of my friend Christopher Golden. Chris is multi-talented, multi-faceted author who has produced great work in a variety of genres and styles and you should check out his website href="http://www.christophergolden.com/index2.html">HERE

True story--the very first book I was given as a recommendation by an encouraging editor when I began to submit YA work was a book Chris wrote with Tom Sniegoski. My book deal materialized about a year later--coincidence, or conspiracy???

If you are interested in the Unicorn Writers' Conference and perhaps in conversing with a troll ("Answer me these riddles three..."), then visit the Conference site HERE

Regarding the big e-book contest, here are the final three winners from last week:

krazykittymatt!

Jennifer D.!

Carole M.!

Thank you all for your work making the After Party such a success!

With luck, I will mail out the books next week. Also, this weekend I will be picking the winner of the grand prize--the entire Generation Dead series, signed, in hardcover! Stay tuned

Speechifying

I’ll be speaking this Sunday at the Hartford Public Library during the Letters about Literature, which is open to the public. I was one of the judges this year and I had the privilege of reading some fantastic letters. Bring your zombie or trad friends and I’ll sign yer books. Not the libraries’ books, though, because you aren’t supposed to write in those.

In other thrilling news, the paperback of Kiss of Life is due to come out on May 25. Make certain that you buy a case or two, because you can never have enough Kisses. Buy one for everyone on your Facebook friend list, and post this message: “Hey…I got a special Kiss, just for you!”. They will no doubt think that you are very considerate and cool. Or possibly creepy and strange, if they are only your Facebook friend because their uncle’s niece’s cousin’s bffl likes Glee and you like Glee too. Or you met because of Farmville. Either way, I’ll sell more books and I really appreciate your business.

PS: PS will be out June 1. Pick up a case or two of those, too.

Tour Stop #1: The Whitman Library

The Whitman Library was a blast. A number of people showed up in costume, including one girl who came as Phoebe! Yay! She was an adorable Phoebe and if I was filming a movie I would have cast her straightaway. A woman that I went to high school with also came, which was awesome--we hadn't seen each other since high school which was...which was a long time ago! Very cool! And I spoke and we ate nachos and I broke a window and they asked me questions and we had vegetarian ice cream and and and...

It was a great event, and a great way to kick off the travels. Many many thanks to the Whitman library and Becca and Becky for having me.

And check this out--here's Becca and Becky bookending a couple teen readers that Becky zombified. The guy is "I" from I am Legend and the girl is Bella from Twilight as zombies! Har har!





I guess they are Romero-type brain eating zombies, judging from the chin blood. Maybe the feasted upon my brains? Which would explain why they still look hungry.

Thanks again to every who came to the event.

In other news, the Salem, MA event is a go--I'll be at Cornerstone Books at 7:00 on Friday, June 5th. Hope to see you there in one of America's spookiest towns!

More Beautiful Artwork

Today's art is from long-time poster Watching! Thanks, Watching!

Reminder--I'll be in Whitman, MA at the Whitman library tomorrow at 5! There's a costume contest and make-up tips for the undead, too! What a perfect way to celebrate Walpurgisnight! Hope to see you there!

DetailsHERE.

Library Appearance

Click on the photo to supersize

I'll be visiting the Whitman Library, in Whitman, Massachusetts on April 30, from 4:30-6:30, where I'll be speaking, signing, hanging out, etc. But there is also going to be a costume contest! And a seminar on Cosmetic Tips for the Living Impaired! That's what I'm going for! And snacks!

Many thanks to super librarian Becca for the invite. Hope to see some of you there...

Leaving the Cave

Just for you, here's a love song

I'll be making an appearance and signing books at the Connecticut Children's Book Fair, which is held at the University of Connecticut (my alma mater!). I'll be giving a short presentation at 11:15 on Sunday, November 9th, and then signing books at 12-1 and also at 2-3. For more information go here.

I'm also fortunate enough to be going to the NCTE convention in San Antonio later this month, to participate in events on Saturday the 22nd. More to follow on that as the time draws near.

More Fun in the New World

A few appearances for September:

New England Independent Booksellers' Association (NEIBA) Regional Trade Show: Sept. 19 at 2:30, Hyatt Convention Center, Boston, signing.

Barnes and Noble, Canton CT: Sept 25 at 6:00, signing.

Chasing Manhattan

Today I'm home from New York, after an action-packed day and a signing at the well-named children's book store, Books of Wonder. So strange to be in New York fresh after a week in Maine by a secluded lake--what an incredible contrast. Which do I like better? The tranquil, sylvan glen, or the world's most thriving metropolis? It is a dead-even tie.

The event was a lot of fun, and I got to meet four other authors, ANNA GODBERSEN, author of The Luxe, RACHEL VAIL, author of Lucky, SUZANNE WEYN, author of Reincarnation (and also The Bar Code Tattoo, which she was sweet enough to give me a copy of, and J.M. STEELE, a fellow Hyperion author who wrote The Market. I did not meet the sixth author, F. PAUL WILSON, author of Jack:Secret Histories, only because I met him a couple years ago when I was trying to launch my writing career. Paul was instrumental in helping launch that career. I attended a writing workshop where Paul was one of the instructors. The workshop was really my first attempt to "leave the cave" to advance my writing career, and I really didn't know what to expect. After Paul read my sample, he said "I can't help you." I gave him the deer in the headlights look, and then he went on went on to say that as far as my writing went, there wasn't anything major he thought I needed to work on. I was ready, in other words, for publication. Paul has written over forty wonderful novels and countless wonderful short stories, so for him to give such encouragement was and is a high point of my writing life thus far. His influence on my life and career since has been dramatic.

So it was fun when the panel of authors was asked the question "who has inspired you to become an author?" and I got to answer, truthfully, "Paul".

Later that night I walked a dozen or so blocks to my hotel, which was across the street from a couple nightclubs. The street in front was of cobblestones, and there was a courtyard dividing the streets with a functional stonework art installation where people could sit and talk. I took the highest seat and watched the city flow by for an hour or so, just as I had sat on the deck at the place we rent in Maine to watch the lake,which is fed by two rivers,flow. Both sights were awesome to behold.

My Ever Changing Life

SCHEDULE CHANGES

The booksigning at the Borders Express in Waterford, CT for June 28th has been cancelled due to a scheduling mishap. Hopefully I'll get there at some point.

BUT

I'll be at Books of Wonder in NYC on July 10th for a YA event with at least two other authors, Anna Godbersen (The Luxe) and Rachel Vail (Lucky).

The Harsh Truth of the Camera Eye

Had a blast at the Groton Library Young Authors' Night meeting readers and listening to other authors. Many thanks to Anne for having us, and thanks to Terrie, Jane and Katt of Borders Express for selling the books. And thanks especially to Brianna, the first authentic young adult to purchase Generation Dead! Whooo Hooo!

We reallocated a couple dozen books, gave away some T-shirts, and I managed not to collapse or drool during my five minute talk.

Thanks also to Rick, Peter and Sean of The Day for the media coverage prior to the event. Rick, author of Texas Music and Louisiana Music, wrote a very nice article that you can check out at The Day's website here. If you click the video link next to the picture with my big fat head, you can watch a thrilling video of me typing!

I kid. Actually, I have to confess that when the idea for a video was proposed, I was certain that it would end in tears, but somehow Peter managed, via elaborate special effects, to create a really cool piece.

Library Appearance

I've been invited to participate in a YA event at the Groton Public Library in Connecticut. It sounds like a fun time, and there will be a number of other YA authors there. Here are the details:

Young Adult Author Evening

Thursday April 17, 2008
7:00 PM until 9:00 PM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appreciate Teen Literature and Meet local authors who will share their books and writing experience. Scheduled to appear: E.M. Alexander: DEATH AT DEACON POND, MJ Allaire: The Denicalis Dragon Chronicles: DRAGON'S BLOOD, THE PRISONER, Lucas Baker: JESS AND ZOEY, Daniella Brodsky: ONE TRICK PONY, Libby Koponen: BLOW OUT THE MOON and Daniel Waters: the upcoming GENERATION DEAD. Copies of the books will be available for sale and autographs.


I don't think I will have books for sale or to autograph, as Generation Dead isn't officially out until May 6, so my plan is to bring my last remaining arc and wave it around over my head so everyone can see what a great cover it is. Bring money anyway, because the books from the other authors who are participating sound wonderful!

BTW, I love the Groton Public Library. I think it is one of the best libraries in SE Connecticut. I wrote much of Generation Dead there on my lunch breaks (no, you can't eat in the library--I scarfed my lunch in the parking lot), and it was the only place around where I could find the copy of Publishers' Weekly that announced my book deal (yes, I had to see it in print, being the vain, callow man that I am).

Hope to see you there!

It's On!

About a month from now I get to hit the road in support of Generation Dead, visiting with booksellers, librarians, and other cool people. I'll be going to Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, and then I'll spend a day in New York. Never been to two of those places so I am incredibly psyched up for the trip, I'm laying in special snacks, programming special travel songlists on the iPod, and socking away select books to read along the way. I may even wear an interesting hat.

I spent a few years working as a bookseller, a job I consider to be imbued with Noble Purpose (caps mine). Encouraging people to read, bringing reluctant or recalcitrant readers to "the good stuff"--such a task is chock full of nobility, if you ask me.

Those people work hard, and the sheer volume of customers can make for a stressful existence during the holiday season. People, please be kind, no matter what side of the counter you are on. Customers, be gentle if the clerk you are working with doesn't instantly recognize the title you are hunting for--the human mind was not meant to hold everything in the frontal lobe at all times. Booksellers, take heart. My mantra was "our customers read--or at least they know someone who does". Laugh if you will, but repeated that phrase fortified me when facing the hordes of desperate people pillaging the store for a last minute holiday gift. At the end of the day, what you've done is important. One deserving title in deserving hands that would not have been purchased without your effort represents yet another forward step in the progress of humankind.

Yes, I really believe that. To believe otherwise is madness.

So here's to the booksellers! I'm looking forward to meeting you!