OLD News

They’re working on the roof of one of the buildings across the courtyard/pool from us. I assume that what I’m hearing is multiple people hammering at once, but it sounds like a kraken trying to clog dance. 😐

So it’s been forever, but I’ve finally got a new column up at Suvudu.

Well, in this instance, it’s more of a rant/temper tantrum. 😛 But it’s up.

Forgive the, uh, unpleasant connotations of the metaphor. But there’s a particular frustration associated with writing–at least for me; I assume for others–and I can’t think of a better term for it.

It’s not writer’s block, not exactly. It’s far more specific. The phenomenon I’m speaking of is this:

Right now, I’m struggling with a short story I want to write. I have the basic concept of the story, but I have been unable, for the life of me, to make the jump from "concept" to "story." I know what the story’s about; I just don’t know what happens.

And it’s irritating as all hell. It’s not a problem I have frequently, but when I do, it stops me cold. It’s almost worse than not having an idea at all, because when that’s the case, all I need is to find some inspiration. In this case, I have the gist. I have the "elevator pitch," as it were. I could write a summary or a blurb. But I absolute haven’t been able to figure out how to break that idea down into the concrete details–the actual events–that form a story.

What makes it even worse is that this is a character I’ve written before, and really enjoy writing, so it should be coming easier than other stuff. But again, my problem isn’t the character, it’s the plot.

Urgh. I know that it’s not ultimately that big a deal. Either I’ll figure it out, or I’ll abandon the short story idea. But it’s so frustrating, having the raw materials of an idea and not being able to sculpt a coherent story out of it.

Just wondering if there would be any interest at all in a short PDF that offered mechanics, for D&D 4E, representing some of the goodies from The Conqueror’s Shadow?

I’m thinking specifically of the Kholben Shiar–either as artifacts or rare magic items, not sure yet–and monster stats for the soldiers of the Endless Legion and possibly the Children of Apocalypse (as a mythical, campaign-ending epic threat). I could also stat Corvis himself as an NPC, though I’m not yet sold on doing that.

On the one hand, I’d kind of like to do it, and I hope it would entice at least a few more of my D&D fans to buy the novel. On the other hand, it’s a chunk of work, and I have no idea if it’d actually accomplish anything.

Votes?

"Twenty-One-Oh" is my contribution to the Foreshadows project, a combined short story anthology and musical soundtrack.

Credits: Sole author

I always prefer written interviews to spoken. I just feel like I’m much more concise and entertaining. Plus, I’m not a big fan of my own voice. 😛

That said, when I was at the "Little Comic Shop of Horrors" even at Dragon’s Lair last weekend, they put together a podcast with a few guest interviews, and I was one of them. If you’re interested in hearing me talk about gaming and D&D–and can tolerate listening to me–you can find it here: http://www.dlair.net/laircast/laircastrss.xml

I haven’t listened to it myself, so if it’s awful, be kind in telling me.