Avatar: The Last Airbender was truly excellent -- one of my all-time favorite animated series. I'm optimistic the same production team will create more magic with The Dragon Prince.
Friday, September 14, 2018
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Animation Writer FAQ: Getting Started, Pt.1
Q: I thought you might be able to offer some advice to a
writer jumping head-first into the animation industry. While I've been a writer
for some time, I've just now been able to gain representation for
screenwriting. Would you have any advice for a writer just starting to get
work? Should I rely solely on my agent to get me jobs on shows? How would you
recommend getting started with work beyond the commercials and website things
I've thus far been hired in? I know it's a tough business, but I'm excited to
put the work in and willing to take the advice of those who've been there and
succeeded.
A: By getting an agent, you've already taken the biggest
step toward gainful employment. Having an
Another bit of advice would be to keep writing script samples for sitcoms, screenplays, anything that your agent can use to submit you for jobs. The more practice/skill you have in writing scripts, the more confidence you'll gain and the more likely you are to get work as a writer.
Good luck!
**
Pt.2 of this FAQ will be a follow up to this question.
**
Thoughts about the above question or about animation writing in
general? Leave them in the comments or send it to me via the CONTACT tab.
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Saturday, July 28, 2018
SAILORMOON Theme on Japanese Traditional instruments
Love their serious/slightly bemused expressions...
Friday, June 29, 2018
Author FAQ: Two Ways to Get a Book Agent
Q: What is the best way to go about getting an agent for
publishing a book? Any tricks of the
trade?
A: Disclaimer: I don't have a book agent, so let's just say I've been around long enough to have heard a thing or two.
There are two ways that I know of to get a book agent.
The first is to Google for a list of legit agents I say legit because there are
plenty of scammers out there who offer expensive "editing services" and the like. These hucksters prey upon starry-eyed newbies who are desperate for representation. In other
words, be cautious. Once you find a reputable source of agency names, go to their websites and see what their submission guidelines are. Is a certain agency repping books like yours? If not, don't bother. If you write hard sci-fi and the agency you're thinking of contacting mostly represents romance authors, move on or you'll just end up looking stupid. I only say this because I've read complaints from agents who are the victims of blanket "Dear Agent" queries where it's obvious the author has done little or no research on the agency they're querying. It's a waste of your time and theirs.
Once you've found an agency that looks like they might be a good fit, check their guidelines to see if they're accepting submissions, and send them a query letter in which you briefly describe
the project and ask them if they'll take a look. Books like "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books" and "Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market" offer lots of helpful advice regarding
agents and how to get one.
The other way is an old classic. Ask a repped author you know for a referral. I
briefly had an agent when "Nonsense! He Yelled" was first published.
My editor was kind enough to set things up. The agent was a nice person, but I
quickly discovered that she wasn't really interested in building the career of
a beginning picture book author (no $). In retrospect, I probably should have
waited until I had more successful books on my list.
Side Note: With the rise of self-publishing, many authors are not even bothering to query agents--feeling, frankly, that since they're not seeking publication with one of the big houses, they don't need an agent. Personally, I'm in this camp...until the right agent comes along. ;)
That being said, if you're agent-less and are fortunate enough to be offered a
contract by a publisher (it happens), it wouldn't be a bad idea to spend a few bucks and
have an attorney who specializes in book contracts take a look at it. It's not
that the publishing houses are an evil lot who will try and rip you off (most
of the contracts are standard "boiler plate" affairs), it's that
they'll be acting more in their own interest than yours.
For example, let's say
that you come up with a chapter book that has the potential to become a series.
There might be wording in the contract that states you'll be paid the same
dollar amount in advance money for all subsequent titles. What if your first
book is a mega hit? Wouldn't you like to be in the position to negotiate a
larger advance for the next book? Having a pro (agent or attorney) look at your contract will pay off in the long run.
I'm sure some of my author friends have thoughts about getting an agent, and I invite them to share these thoughts in the comments.
**
Thoughts about the above question or about writing books in
general? Leave them in the comments or send them to me via the CONTACT tab. Thanks!
Note: Any book links in my posts are likely to be Amazon Associates links where clicking on them will take you to Amazon. This "feature" costs you nothing and gets me a tiny tiny percentage of the sale should you purchase the book.
Friday, June 22, 2018
Monty Python and the Holy Grail Modern Trailer
What if the hilarious comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail was more like Game of Thrones?
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Treehouse Detectives Begins Streaming June 8th
How cool is this? Treehouse Detectives, the preschool series I wrote on last year, begins streaming on Netflix this Friday, 6/8/18. It's a super-fun little show and I think kids are really going to love it.
Please check it out!
From Netflix:
Treehouse Detectives
2018 TV-Y
When their animal friends need help, brother-and-sister team Toby and Teri use the clues and follow the facts to solve mysteries in their own backyard.
Starring: Brody Allen, Jenna Davis, Ryan Bartley
Please check it out!
From Netflix:
Treehouse Detectives
2018 TV-Y
When their animal friends need help, brother-and-sister team Toby and Teri use the clues and follow the facts to solve mysteries in their own backyard.
Starring: Brody Allen, Jenna Davis, Ryan Bartley
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer!
Monday, June 4, 2018
Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 Official Trailer
Loved the first movie, this one's looking good too! Thoughts?
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Animation Writer FAQ: Writing Animated Features
Q: I am a writer and I've got an idea for an animated
feature. I just have the idea and couple of different endings. I have two
contacts through my sister in LA who are producers for big animated companies.
I spoke to one and she definitely believes it is definitely a full-length
feature film that no one has done, yet. She told me that I needed to own it as
long as I can, write the treatment, screenplay. I have no experience in writing
scripts. Do you have any advice or can suggest any materials that someone like
me could follow? I get very frustrated when I write. So far I am just watching
as many films as I can and reading other scripts. -- Marie
Next, you may want to pick up a copy of Syd Field's classic
how-to book, Screenplay. It'll bring you up to speed on how to structure a screenplay. There are similar books out there, but I learned how to do it from Syd.
Finally, you may want to invest in some
screenwriting software to make sure your script looks right. I use Final Draft, which is the industry standard. This kind of software is a little
pricey but I think well worth the investment if you plan on writing
professionally. Good
luck!
Thoughts about the above question or about writing for animation in general? Leave them in the comments or send it to me via the CONTACT tab.
**
Thoughts about the above question or about writing for animation in general? Leave them in the comments or send it to me via the CONTACT tab.
Monday, April 16, 2018
Such a Deal! GHOST STAR On Sale $0.99 All April
As you saw in an earlier post, Amazon decided to do a price-drop marketing promotion for Ghost Star. All this month my little YA space opera is discounted from $2.99 to $0.99 per Kindle copy. Not too shabby for anyone looking to save a couple of bucks on an action-packed sci-fi read.
There are TWO WEEKS left on the promo, so if you haven't already picked up your copy, now's a good time to do so.
Also, please share this bargain with your family and friends. I'll thank you for it and I think they will too.
Clicking HERE will take you to the Ghost Star Amazon page.
Thanks!
There are TWO WEEKS left on the promo, so if you haven't already picked up your copy, now's a good time to do so.
Also, please share this bargain with your family and friends. I'll thank you for it and I think they will too.
Clicking HERE will take you to the Ghost Star Amazon page.
Thanks!
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Monday, April 9, 2018
Book Illustrator FAQ: Where do I start?
Q: My mother has been a professional artist for over 40
years and has recently put together a wonderful portfolio of children's book
illustration examples. Her forte is definitely in the area of illustration so
she would like to somehow team with a writer to put together a book. She has
sent her portfolio to a number of publishers, but has yet to be connected with
a writer and ultimately published. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
A: I'm an author. I only restate the obvious to warn you
about the questionable value of advice from an author to an aspiring
illustrator. That being said, here are some thoughts.
It's good that your Mom has put together a portfolio
because, as she has discovered, you must have one to get work. Obviously, a portfolio filled with picture book appropriate art samples would be better to have for this purpose than one of poster art or portraiture. I have heard of writers and illustrators
teaming up "on spec," but this seems to be the exception to the rule -- usually husband
and wife teams, old friends, etc. Side note: When I first started writing books, I was concerned
that I was going to have to find my own illustrator. But a little research
quickly revealed that publishers actually prefer it if authors don't come in
with their own artwork (unless the illustrations are exceptionally good). Part
of the satisfaction that an editor or publisher gets from their job is in the
pairing up of the right illustrator with the right author.
So, all that being said, here are some thoughts on getting work as a children's book illustrator...
Your Mom could write and illustrate her own book.
Author/Illustrators are a well-respected double threat in the kid's book trade
(and get to keep ALL of the money!). If she's not crazy about writing an
original story, she might want to think about "re-telling" a classic
fairy tale or obscure folk story -- something in the public domain.
Another approach would be for her to keep slugging away and
submitting her portfolio to the various publishing houses.
Try visiting the FAQs on the Children's Book Council website. They're the trade organization for all the children's book
publishers and they provide a great deal of helpful info. Anyway, they're great place to start. The rest of the
site has a lot of useful info, too.
I'd also recommend the most recent edition of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books". It really helped
me out on the author side of things with practical "how to" tips and
I've read that the latest edition provides a lot of useful info for
illustrators, too.
Tell your Mom "good luck" from me!
**
If you have a question about writing books, send it to me via the CONTACT tab or leave them in the comments. Thanks!
Monday, April 2, 2018
Blog Tour: Wild Fire by Scott Bury
Happy to be a stop on the blog tour of Scott Bury's, Wild Fire. Check out the excerpt, links, and other important info for Scott's brand new mystery thriller! -RE
about this
business, Mr. DaSilva.”
**
Wildfire: Charlie the terrier
Tara felt panic tightening her chest.
She leaned forward, hand on the desk. “I do know something
“Please, call me Alan.”
“I know you’ve won a number of awards
over the years. Gold medals, prix d’honneur, more. Yours is one of the smaller
wineries in the Sonoma Valley with one of the best reputations. And from what
I’ve read, there are several competitors who are jealous of the piece of land
you have for the grapevines. They say it’s the most ideal location for a
terroir in California—with the best soil, best drainage, the perfect situation
to the sun.”
Alan was nodding, a smile playing at
the corners of his mouth. He twirled the pencil again. “Do go on.”
Tara swallowed. “But apparently,
you’ve been struggling to keep up with demand for your product. There have been
some accidents in the ... oh, I forget the technical term ...” Damn it, Tara, pull yourself together. This
is no time for memory lapses. “In the production area. Damage to some of
your larger tanks and bottling lines. They set you back and cost you a lot of
money.”
Alan continued to nod, but he no
longer smiled. “That’s true. We had a string of unexplained accidents last
year.”
Oh,
no, now he’s not happy anymore. Way to blow the first job interview you’ve had
in California, Tara.
Bring
it back to the positive. “But you’ve also had some good news
in the past two years. Your restaurant got a Michelin star, and nothing but
great ratings in all the reviews.”
A faint smile touched Alan’s mouth
again. “That’s right. The restaurant has done—is doing—very well. Making money.
That’s mostly due to my wife. She found our new chef, and managed to convince
him to come way out here to work. And she managed to get some big-name
restaurant reviewers to make the drive up from San Francisco, too.” He looked
out the window, too, and the smile vanished. “I still don’t really know how she
managed to do that.” He took a deep breath and turned his hazel eyes to Tara
again. “All right, your résumé proves you’re smart and ambitious, and Sophia
said you were a hard worker. What did you do for her?”
Tara shrugged. “Nothing much. We just
sort of met by accident. I needed a place to stay. She needed some help around
the house and the diner she owns. I helped her and stayed in her guest bedroom
for a few days. I said I was looking for some steadier work, and she mentioned
you.”
“So, you’ve worked in Sophia’s
restaurant?”
“Yes, just helping with some of the
food prep.”
“Did you study food service?”
“No, but I worked in a restaurant in
the summers between college terms. I love to cook.” Talk yourself up, Tara. “And I’m good at it. Very good.”
DaSilva nodded. “Anything else I
should know about you?”
“I have a black belt in karate. I got
that when I was in high school.”
“Wow. A dangerous woman. Remind me
never to get into a fight with you. I don’t know whether we can use you in the
winery, but we do need some help in the kitchen.”
The dog came to her and pressed its
nose between Tara’s knees. “Charlie, down,” Alan said. The dog looked at Alan
and whined. Alan pointed at the floor where the dog had been sleeping.
“Charlie,” he repeated.
The dog whined again but sat down
where it had been, its eyes fixed on Tara.
“What kind of dog is Charlie?” Tara
asked.
“A terrier mix.” Alan leaned over and
patted its head, and the tail swished back and forth across the floor. “Not the
smartest dog in the world, but he does know good people. Everyone who works
here has had to pass the Charlie test.”
“What’s the Charlie test?”
“Charlie has to make friends with you.
Well, one person isn’t Charlie’s friend. But … never mind.” Alan sat back in
his chair and fixed an intent look on Tara’s eyes. “We’ve had a lot of turnover
in the last few months. Chef Donald is great, but he’s not exactly the easiest
guy in the world to work for. If you’ve got a thick skin, I can put you to work
in the kitchen. The pay’s not great, but it’s steady, and it comes with room
and board. You can start tonight, if that works for you.”
“Tonight?”
Alan smiled again and stood up. “Like
I said, Chef’s not easy to work for. We had a line cook quit last night.” He
reached a hand across the desk and Charlie got up again, his tail wagging fast.
“So, you ready to work?”
Tara looked into Alan’s hazel eyes.
She noticed the very middle of the iris, a narrow rim around the deep black
pupil, was like a ring of green fire.
Wildfire
Wildfires swept across California wine country in
2017, destroying thousands of homes and businesses, and killing dozens of
people. Law school grad and single mother Tara Rezeck finds herself in the
middle of the catastrophe. When she returns to her job at the most
award-winning vineyard in Sonoma County, she finds her employer’s body in the
ashes.
The question that challenges her brains and her
legal training is: was it an accident? Or was his body burned to hide evidence
of murder?
Now available for pre-order on on Amazon (for Kindle e-readers) and Smashwords (for Kobo, Nook and other e-readers).
About the author
After a 30-year career as a journalist and editor,
Scott Bury turned to writing fiction with a children’s story, Sam, the Strawb
Part, and a story that bridged the genres of paranormal occult fiction and
espionage thriller: Dark Clouds. Since then, he has published 12 novels and
novellas without regard to staying in any one genre.
In 2012, he published his first novel, the
historical magic realism bestseller The
Bones of the Earth. His next book, One
Shade of Red, was a satire of a bestseller with a similar title.
From 2014 to 2017, he published the Eastern Front
Trilogy, the true story of a Canadian drafted into the Soviet Red Army in 1941,
and how he survived the Second World War: Army
of Worn Soles, Under the Nazi Heel
and Walking Out of War.
Scott was invited to write for three Kindle Worlds,
where authors base novellas on the fictional worlds of bestselling series. For
Toby Neal’s Lei Crime Kindle World, he wrote Torn Roots, Palm Trees & Snowflakes, Dead Man Lying and Echoes.
For Russell Blake’s Jet Kindle World, he
contributed Jet: Stealth, featuring
the explosive duo of Van and LeBrun.
And for Emily Kimelman’s Sydney Rye Kindle World,
he brought Van and LeBrun back for The
Wife Line and The Three-Way.
Now, he is beginning a new mystery series with Wildfire, featuring the smart and
passionate Tara Rezeck. Wildfire is currently available for pre-order on Amazon (for Kindle e-readers) and Smashwords (for Kobo, Nook and other e-readers).
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