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Doldrums

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Every once in a while, and for me it is usually the beginning of summer, we experience a drop in productivity or energy or motivation to do the things that are important for us. In my case, I think it happens when it does because I’ve just finished a major project (or two) and I need some down-time to relax and rejuvenate. The problem with doing this (definitely for me) is getting back out of relaxation mode and moving into productivity mode. I call this period my doldrums; basically, I know I need to get busy because I have lots of things on-the-go or coming up but I don’t have the momentum to get working on them. That lack of […]

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The Occasional Misfire

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I consider myself to be a good speaker. I have done many book readings, presentations and convention panels where I have received positive feedback. I am able to (usually) think on my feet. So, when I was asked to both participate in and moderate on a panel about humour at the 2012 World Fantasy Convention (in Toronto) I accepted without too much concern. Then I saw the write-up about the panel. The names of writers mentioned in the write-up (again about humour) were names I had never heard before. When I Googled them, I discovered that many were writers from the turn of the 20th century. Clearly, the person who conceived the idea for the panel was either an ancient […]

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Experiences vs. Perception

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Have you ever heard the phrase, corrupt politician? How about shady used car salesman? Or maybe you’ve been told not to trust Carnie (Circus) Folk because they smell like cabbage and have small hands. Or perhaps you have started a new job and your co-workers have told you to watch out for some person or the other because they drink too much/are promiscuous/violent/whatever. Did that cloud your judgement in any way when you actually met the person? In all of the above examples (silly and otherwise) you learned something second-hand and probably acted, at the very least, more cautiously when faced with the real thing. You were naturally predisposed to think a certain way. I know, I’ve been guilty of […]

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The Challenge: #7X7X7X7

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One of my TwitterFriends, that magnificent bastard Argyle Hartley, recently invited me to take the #7x7x7x7 challenge. I have magnanimously accepted! The rules are: you post the next 7 lines after the 7th line on the 7th page of a work in progress and then invite 7 other writers to do the same. Sounds pretty simple, so here it is. 7 lines from my adult, sci-fi comedy serial, Champ McKay, Texas Space Ranger. The woman laughed. “Well, Ranger. You aren’t in Texas anymore. You are a little out of your jurisdiction.” “My jurisdiction extends out into the territories too,” I protested. I wasn’t about to let this purple woman confuse the issue. She nodded. “That would be very well and good if we were […]

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