I finally (on Friday, December 13, 2024) finished the last big task on the spring-summer-fall to-do list. One or two things shifted to the spring 2025 to-do list, but such is life. Such is winter, which has decided to stop playing peek-a-boo in Nova Scotia and stay for a while.
With this issue, I am trying grayscale pictures only in my newsletter to match my branding. ... I have also tweaked the style, fonts, and colors.
EXTINCTION SPECIES
I got sample edits from three editors and will select one soon. All three gave me a lot to think about, resulting in. ... my working through yet another "final self-edit" before choosing an editor.
I hope to start querying in the spring of 2025.
"War and Space" & Epiphanies
I started working on rewriting my short story "War and Space." I had not progressed much when I unexpectedly started laying out my second novel Epiphanies. The idea of how to do it came to me as I lay in bed trying to sleep.
Who needs sleep. ... and more to the point, I think Epiphanies is going to work.
Year-End Newsletter Update
I am continuing with the format/schedule of "The Newb Files," my author newsletter.
I am happy with it despite a low subscription rate. I have several times, removed people who aren't opening the email, which can cause the big wide inter-webs to mark it as spam.
My open rate is currently 100% and is consistently over 85%.
Other News
I am writing a new short story that will be used as a reader magnet. It's nice to be writing again.
NOTE: Current subscribers will be offered the short story; the format and the delivery mode to be determined. If you have a preference, let me know.
The Newb Files Archive
A reminder that my newsletters are archived online.
Working again on "War and Space" has triggered deep feelings of newbness. When I recently reread the last version of "War and Space," I was happy to see. ... a story. But, it was a shock to see HOW rough of a draft it was.
When I started writing, the thought of letting anyone read my stuff was terrifying.
Looking back five-plus years (August 2019) to when I started writing, there is no doubt that I overcompensated and threw rough drafts at anyone who would agree to read them. Including—horror of horrors—writing competitions. Jesus, what was I thinking?
But I'm okay now.
Well, I'm better.
Handyman Newb Moment
(A.K.A.: perpetual beta)
I'm even older, and so done with this shit.
Opinion
Are you a Plotter or Pantser?
Until recently, I would answer this question without hesitation: I'm a plotter!
But am I? As I've gained experience, I realized I am a mix of both.
What I mean is that I will start a project with an outline, even completely written (in my head) chapters, but most of the key ideas and twists come to me as I write.
My first four short stories were completely written in my head before I typed in a single character. Three of the four stories worked, which was great. But they ALL lacked the little details that would make the story come together and be finished. That came later as I wrote them.
In the short story "Scream and Leapt," the solution to the main plot point I was struggling with came to me as I was writing the specific paragraph.
I am now well aware I cannot lay out ALL of the plot points in a story before I start, so I will begin writing with many unknowns looming, knowing I will get the ideas to solve them as I write. Eventually.
I think this is probably how most people (plotters) write fiction. Yes, there are exceptions.
Do you agree? What do you consider yourself?
Book Reviews
The Long Way Down (Daniel Faust Book 1)
I have, from reading this, the first book in the series recommended it to anyone who would listen—describing it as a darker, much darker version of the Harry Dresden books by Jim Butcher.
Different city, different magic, and darker MC.
Dark, like Christopher Kimball's soul. If you cook, you will get that. With a nod to Bridget Lancaster.
Based in Las Vegas, the characters, settings, and magic ring true—a great thing to say about a fantasy work.
Another writer that makes me, well, jealous.
There is more than one series here, that are interwoven.
Refer to the list on his website and read them in the recommended order.
I look forward to finishing the series and then rereading them—again and again.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Random Things on My Office Walls
The warning sign, and a picture of Sam sleeping on the steps to my sister's mobile home (1990)
I used this "Beware of Dog" sign for years. Starting withSam (Samantha): My six-pound Chihuahua mix I adopted from my Aunt Ellen in 1989.
My mom bought me the sign from a yard sale shortly after I got Sam. I painted the "S" in front of "HE." I will not try to make those plural(s). Sam was a great dog, very sweet and quiet. Sadly, I only had her for a few years. In my novel EXTINCTION SPECIES, a character is named after her.
I put the sign back up when we got Chicaon November 17, 2016.
Chica Teeta Bailey
2010ish–June 16, 2022.
My usual view of her, as I worked in the kitchen.
Repeat Recipe: Snickerdoodles
Preheat oven to 350° F.
Dough Mixture
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 1/4 cups white flour
2 tsp cream of tartar (or baking powder)
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
Coating Mixture
2 tablespoons cinnamon (or to taste)
1 tablespoon white sugar
Method
0. Cream butter and sugar well, and add eggs, beating well.
1. Sift together flour, cream of tartar OR baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and add to mixture.
2. Mix and form into rough balls. Note that smoother balls of dough will not pick up as much of the cinnamon and sugar mixture.
3. Roll in coating mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
4. Place on lightly buttered cookie sheet (or use parchment paper).
5. Bake 10-12 minutes. Cookies are done when, after having puffed up into a dome shape, they slightly flatten and are a light brown on the bottom.
NOTE: If you use baking powder instead of cream of tartar, it will be a struggle to get the perfect degree of doneness and tender/crisp texture.
Cream of tarter is worth tracking down.
Servings: 3-36
Yield: 3 dozen cookies
Source: Mom (and me)
This recipe goes way back. When we were kids, my mom served these cookies with partially set Jell-O. Mainly, I suspect, because we were too impatient to wait until it was fully set.
A great cookie to have around at Christmas. ... kids may like them as well.
F.A.Q.
Future newsletters may have Frequently Asked Questions. Send your question(s) to Eric.
