I thoroughly enjoyed the first movie, the second one looks even better!
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Friday, March 2, 2018
Author FAQ: What Software Should I Use to Write My Books?
Q: I was curious what software you use for writing your
books. I want to convert one of my scripts
into book format and pursue creating a series of pre-to-early teen books, so I
want to make sure what I submit follows industry standards.
A: I use MS Word for all of my book writing (picture
books, short stories, chapter books, and novels). I've also used a screenwriting program which has a novel template. The script program worked okay, but I prefer
Word because its files are more universally accepted -- the screenplay software
pretty much requires the person at the other end to have it too. Ultimately, you'd have to convert the screenplay program file to Word anyway (to have anyone else read it) and when I had to do that there were tons of formatting problems that I had to go through and fix manually. Maybe other authors who use a screenplay book template can weigh in on their level of success.
With regard to industry formatting standards, there are a skillion
how-to books on the shelf that show you proper page and paragraph layout, etc.
You're correct
in wanting to get it right as I've read that an improperly formatted book sample can
drive a prospective editor or agent bonkers.
**
If you have a question about writing books, send it to me via the CONTACT tab. If you have your own thoughts about this particular question, I'd love to hear them so please leave them in the comments.
Monday, February 26, 2018
Pix From My Friend to the North
Canadian author pal Scott Bury sent pix of him with his copy of GHOST STAR. As you can see from the inscription, I consider him to be an important member of my "brain trust of beta readers." He really did help make my book more readable. Thanks, Scott!
Friday, February 23, 2018
Talking Heads - Once in a Lifetime (Official Video)
My favorite video of my favorite song by my favorite band. I first saw it back in the early 80s and my mind was blown. Enjoy.
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Animation FAQ: Thoughts on How to Sell an Animated Series
Q: I am an aspiring writer/artist/musician with an animated
show idea. I have character illustrations, a series synopsis, 12 plot
treatments, and music samples that I have worked on extensively. I have a
friend who creates and pitches TV shows for a living, but I am not sure about
his degree of success in that field. He encouraged me to create the series in
the first place. I have no idea how to get my idea in front of people besides
my admittedly low-level connection. Do you have any suggestions?
A: Disclaimer: I've come close a couple of times, but have yet to sell a series.
That said...it sounds like you have a lot of the components one would
need to pitch an animated
"Hodag of Horror" |
With regard to your friend, if he creates and pitches shows
"for a living" (meaning he gets paid) he is without a doubt VERY
successful in his field and not a "low level connection" at all. In
fact, he's about as good a connection as you can get. Is he a professional
writer? If so, that means he probably has a "literary" agent (an
agent that exclusively handles TV, film, or animation writers). Ask him for a referral
to his agent.
I
strongly recommend having a couple of writing samples (spec sitcoms, well-known animated shows in the same category as your series, even a spec feature script that shows off your style) in addition to your
pitch. Write them, then begin the hunt. If your friend doesn't have an agent,
once you get the samples, start the hunt yourself. Pursue any other connections
you might have and go to the WGA site for a listing of Guild approved agents.
Once you have that, start sending out query letters (try to get a name rather
than sending out generic "Dear Agent" letters) explaining that you're
interested in representation, have a project (don't go into too much detail),
list your samples, and ask if they would be interested in taking a look at one
(of the samples). If they say yes, you've got your foot in the door.
You didn't
mention where you lived, but it'd be helpful if it was in LA or NY. That's
where most of the agencies and the production co./networks are located. It
wouldn't be impossible to secure representation if you lived somewhere else,
just a lot harder. An agency would be more likely to sign someone who's
"in town" and available for the meetings they'd set up. The bottom
line is that you need to secure an agent if you have any hope of having your
project looked at by anyone who really counts. Good luck!
**
If you have a question about writing for animation, send it to me via the CONTACT tab. If you have your own thoughts about this particular question, please leave them in the comments.
Friday, February 9, 2018
REVIEW: Your Name
I rolled my eyes when I first read the description for "Your Name" ("A teenage boy and girl embark on a quest to meet each other for the first time after they magically swap bodies."), but it turned out to be a mature, well-crafted film -- wistful, with gentle humor and lots of heart. The animation is some of the best I've seen...anywhere. Recommended.
WIKIPEDIA ARTICLE
WIKIPEDIA ARTICLE
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Ghost Star: Limited Time Price Promotion
My pals at Kindle Press have decided now is a good time for special discount pricing on Ghost Star. To quote Annie Lennox, "Who am I to disagree?"
For a limited time (Thursday, 2/8/18 - Thursday, 2/15/18), my book will be on sale for $0.99! That's ninety-nine digital pennies for 50k words of action-packed digital adventure!
If you already own Ghost Star please pass along this little wallet-friendly nugget of news to friends and family who might enjoy saving a couple of bucks on a fun, fast-paced, space opera-y read.
Yes, I'm shamelessly asking you to please spread the word. Tell them it's like Star Wars without those annoying Ewoks or Porgs. They'll thank you for it and so will I.
CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW
Thank you!
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