[Writing Post] Pre-ArmadilloCon Schedule
There are some distractions here, but there will be writing, but I don’t know how prolific or GOOD it will be. But I’ll doing something, even if it’s just the flash fiction writing exercises. Because there’s no stopping.
But next week is ArmadilloCon 39 in Austin. Here is my preliminary schedule:
Frodo had Samwise, Han had Chewie…
Fri 9:00 PM-10:00 PM Ballroom F
C. Clevenger, R. Eudaly, Mi. Finn, J. Rountree, P. Sullivan*, S. White
Morning Pages
Sat 10:00 AM-11:00 AM Southpark A
M. Cardin, R. Eudaly, K. Hoover, S. Leicht, J. Perez, R. Schwarz*
Freewriting (timed writing) and keeping a journal for Inspiration
Flavors of Flash Fiction
Sat 2:00 PM-3:00 PM Southpark B
D. Cherry, N. Drayden, R. Eudaly, J. Lansdale, R. Rose*,
Flash fiction is another great market both online and off. Learn about different markets as well as techniques for writing a great flash fiction story.
T/TNG: A Generation Later
Sat 4:00 PM-5:00 PM Southpark B
R. Eudaly, P.J. Hoover, R. Klaw, D. Liss, A. Porter*, H. Walrath
It’s been 30 years. Seriously? What has aged well, what not? How does it stand up against later SF on TV?
Reading
Sat 5:30 PM-6:00 PM Conference Center
Rhonda Eudaly
Signing
Sun 11:00 AM-Noon Dealers’ Room
D. Afsharirad, M. Bey, S. Brust, R. Eudaly, J. Reasoner, N. Shawl
[Pen/Pencil Review] Pilot Precise V5 RT Deco Collection
I try to give equal time to pens. This is another Pilot Precise V5 RT (retractable) This is the Deco Collection in assorted colors . I don’t remember spending a whole lot for them, so don’t judge the MSRP too harshly.
This pen has a solid feeling point for the heavy-handed writers. This is a 0.5mm – hence the V5 – but it’s still a decent point. I’ve come around on the needle point fear. They’ve been a lot sturdier than I ever remember them being in the past. I bought the four pack – red, blue, green, and black. Some packages come with a purple as well.
The pen is about 5.5″ long and has a decent retraction mechanism. It’s light but well-balanced. The ink is richly pigmented and flows well from the tip. The lines are smooth and the ink dries quickly on paper with minimal smearing. The barrel has “art deco” patterning that matches and corresponds to the ink color and a matching rubber grip with a nod to ergonomics.
This is a good workhorse pen that has a price point, so if it’s stolen off a desk, it’s no big loss. It’s refillable so you can use them a good long time.
The Numbers.
1. How does it work? – 1 – This is a solid working pen. The ink is well-pigmented. The point is relatively solid for a needle point.
2. Look and feel – 1 – It’s a basic retractable pen. There’s a nod to ergonomics. The clip is metal, so that’s solid.
3. Material – 1 – It’s recycled plastic with a metal clip. It is what it is. The decorations are cute, though.
4. Overall Design – 1 – It’s functional. It’s an average length stick pen with a decent point and ink. It’s refillable and eco-friendly
5. Price Point – 0.5 – This pen is refillable. The five packs on line are a bit pricy to look at. I don’t remember what I paid for the four-pack, but I had to have gotten them on sale. Perhaps if you refill them, that helps keep the cots down.
4.5 out of 5 bronze pencils.
[Write the Story] Political Machinations
Prompt: Political Machinations
Words: appointment, dangerous, cost, empire, kitten, mug, converter, essence, tennis, poke
Story
“The only way you could possibly lose this election is if you play tennis with kittens on camera.”
“Wouldn’t that … oh, you mean as the balls, right.” Buck Ingram wasn’t always the sharpest crayon in the box, but he was the candidate the party put up probably because he was “malleable”. No one asked Fran Johnson’s opinion on that. They only asked her to get the candidate elected, or if already elected, the prime appointment.
Fran knew she helped build an empire in essence. She was good at her job, too. She knew which buttons to push, which nerves to poke to get the job done. Buck was a challenge she fought tooth and nail to overcome. His affable mug and aw-shucks obliviousness hid a steel-trap mind—but getting to the point was…well, she’d house-trained puppies with easier “bombs” to dodge.
“We’ll just head over there to the power converter doohickey and do the photo shoot there.”
Fran cringed. The “doohickey” Buck referred to was the main console feeding the grid from the nuclear power plant. One wrong move…well, dangerous didn’t begin to cover it. If he…well, a mishap would cost untold lives, not to mention economic and environmental devastation. The country and the world would never be the same.
“Oopsie! I guess it’s a whole new world now,” Buck said.
Fran choked.
Word Count: 222
Written: 6/28/17
[Writer Post] Open Dialog Time – Let’s Talk about Events
Obviously it’s not Wednesday. I got caught up yesterday in doing Responsible Adult Things and Breathing-In-Spite-of-Crepe-Myrtles day. So, yeah, I thought about a blog post then… not so much.
This was supposed to be – and still is a “Care and Feeding” post from a Writer to Con-Runners – with Pop Culture Con Runners (not all of you, obviously) emphasis:
If you’re going to bring writers and artists to your event and have them do panels here are somethings to consider:
1. Give your panelists tables in which to sell books/art. If you’re asking a writer or artist to GIVE you their time by doing a presentation (read NOT paying them to be there), then at least offer a table so they can make some cash.
2. ADVERTISE THE PANELS. Though there is something to be said about “if you build it, they will come” but someone needs to know you’re there. Your audience might really want to know about whatever topic your writers/artists spent time creating presentations for.
3. Treat your panelists like any other guest. If you’re advertising actors, cosplayers, musicians, etc. ALSO mention your writers and artists (and not just the “Big Names” but everyone participating in your programming). We’re value-adds, I promise.
4. Communicate – amongst yourselves and with your panelists. Make sure everyone knows check in procedures – if/where the badges are, where tables, rooms are, and that any promised technology assistance is available so we come across as the competent professionals we are.
5. When you DO communicate with panelists, make sure you identify yourself and your event. In all likelihood you’re not our only event on the calendar – coming or going. No one likes to have to ask (or answer) the question(s): WHO are you? Or “What is this about?” Goes back to the “competent professional” vibe.
I’m sure there are more, but that whole trying to breathe thing is mucking up thought processes. Did I miss anything? What would you add to the list? Or what do you think I’m wrong about? Con runners – or folks with pop culture event experience – chime in with your side. Love to have a balanced conversation.
Writers (and likely other creators) are trying to do the best job possible to 1) get our name/face out to the populous, 2) do the best job for fans and conventions possible, 3) be pretty decent professionals. We want to learn how to do this better for everyone involved. Let’s talk about it.
[Pen/Pencil Review] Pilot G2 PenStylus 0.7mm Black Ink
The Pilot G2 is a classic and has been go to ink. It’s a classic that’s been around for ages, so what else is there to say about it? They’ve changed – or decorated – barrels. They’ve played a bit with point sizes, but overall the Pilot G2 is a Pilot G2. But this time they’ve added “tech” by creating the G2 PenStylus.
The PenStylus G2 has a charcoal gray casing with white dot accents and the classic grip matching the color of the ink. It runs just short of 5.75″. The rubber grip is pretty comfortable for an inexpensive, every day pen. But instead of the traditional push plunger retraction mechanism, the “plunger” is a stylus. The pen retracts by pushing down the molded plastic clip.
The ink is still awesome, the roller is smooth for a 0.7mm. The pen has good ink reservoirs with rich tint to the ink. The conical tip is smooth and lays down a solid line as expected from the line. The feel is good. The ink does seem to dry quickly as is traditional. The stylus works as expected on touch screens.
These are a bit more expensive – probably because of the stylus and they’re new. I almost got these on AmazonPrime Day, but found them cheaper in the Back-to-School aisle at Target. These are 2 pack for between $7 – $9, which makes them the more expensive G2.
To the numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 The ink is strong and comes in decent point sizes. The retraction mechanism is solid if different from what you expect. The stylus is functional.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – It’s fairly basic retractable pen with a decent drip that hasn’t changed much over time, but it still gives a comfortable feel for long-term use.
3. Material – 1 – It’s rubberized plastic pen. It’s solid for what it is.
4. Overall Design – 1 – These are a standard. They’ve made basic changes to the design to accommodate the stylus.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – These run between $3.50 and $4.50 a pop which more than the regular G2s. They should be refillable, but I’m not seeing refills for these yet. If they do end up having the refills, then they will be a solid pen for everyday use.
4.5 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
[Write the Story] Office Intrigue in the Future
Prompt: Office Intrigue in the Future
Words: time travel, trousers, supervise, successfully, law, identity, mustard, kitchen, tooth, fly
Story
Ever have one of those days where you wished time travel was real? Well…DON’T! It’s a trap! I’ve been to the future. You don’t want to know. And the past? Yeah, well, it’s behind for a reason. Who am I? I’m the fly on the wall. I have successfully spied on folks for years. Now I supervise the newest generation of surveillors.
We were designed first in the name of “morale” in private corporations. They wanted to know what employees were really feeling but were afraid to say. They started in the kitchens, finding out who got mustard on their trousers, but it grew quickly after that. Espionage. Secrets. Lies.
Because once the corporations got their fill of employee secrets, they went after rivals. Then sold this “perk” to government. No one had a secret identity anymore. Privacy was gone. The law changed.
Now? We fight other surveillance systems tooth and claw for market share and information. I was the best at it when I was in the field. I had the adaptable AI. I learned how to best camouflage. How to best gather the tiniest nugget of information.
The shiny new chipset thing they’re such hot stuff with their nanotech and shiny holographic cloaking. But this old RAM has a few tricks up its motherboard.
Word Count: 216
Written: 6/27/17
[Writer Post] Countdown to Introvertedness
Oh, Wednesday… hi. How are you. Let’s talk about how my brain is totally in “SQUIRREL!” mode (for a number of reasons but it just is).
Saturday is my last event thing in my three months of constant motion. I have a panel about 1:15 pm at ArlingCon (a one day comic con event) on the UTA campus but sponsored by the Arlington Library. I have built a PowerPoint presentation and everything. Here’s hoping someone comes, considering the ArlingCon Facebook page has only featured costuming/costumers and vendors. We will have another discussion after this over about how writers and writing panels are NOT after thoughts, we are value-adds and maybe you should try advertising us as such. You’d think an even co-sponsored by a LIBRARY SYSTEM would not have to have this conversation. I just hope someone shows up for the panel.
Then I have three weeks (with TWO WHOLE WEEKENDS) with nothing planned before ArmadilloCon. And though I’m totally looking forward to ArmadilloCon, and will give it 110%, will need the time between July 16 and August 3 to have NOTHING ON MY CALENDAR (except church and maybe a haircut). Please don’t be offended if you invite us to something and we respectfully decline. I have no energy left. I need to recharge my Extrovert Batteries by letting the Introvert out for a while. It’s really for the Greater Good.
But the reason this is coming together a bit late today is because I had a monthly lunch meeting that helped tickle Ye Olde Brain Squirrels. There’s a lot about my Day Job that does feed the Plot Bunnies and my creative brain. This was one of those days. I was in a meeting with Law Enforcement that gave me all kinds of insight into a certain type of investigation.
It was also at the Federal Reserve Bank that 1) triggers 12 kinds of spy movie thoughts; 2) has a freakin’ museum and GIFT SHOP. I totally went to a meeting and played serious tourist. I totally bought stuff in the gift shop. And dang, folks, that building is NIIIIICCCCCEEEEEE! It really pays to print money. 😎 (Kidding). Kinda wish now I’d gotten the job I applied for there like two years ago. 😎 Don’t get me wrong, I do love my current job, but I work in a cave – they have GARDENS.
And now to head out for the evening. So many plans. Just have to get through a few more days then blessed … NOTHING SPECIAL. Rest is important. I haven’t been a huge proponent of “self care” but starting to see the need, benefits, etc. Planning some time off later – maybe even a couple of mental health days. The viral article has me thinking about that more and more. And now that I’m in a place with decent leave time, I should really get out of the “but I have to save this for…” and use at least SOME OF IT for something other than conventions. We’ll see how that goes.
[Pen/Pencil Review] Vintage BIC Gold & Silver Metallic
A few months ago I mentioned our trip to Killen to meet George Fox of My Supply Room. I came home with this lovely selection of BIC pens – mostly vintage. Several of them had either no ink or ink so old that the pens didn’t work. But that’s okay. I took some notes, and voila, today’s post.
I’ve been starting with the gold and silver classic hex body BICs. Mostly because they remind me of C3PO and R2D2. And also, gold and silver goes with everything. I had some 0.8mm blue and black BIC Round Stick Grip pens that you can buy in bulk at like Staples. I “harvested” a blue and a black refill from those and gave new life to these vintage bodies.
So, the high points… this is a 0.8mm point, they run 5.75″ capped and 6.5″ with the cap posted. The ink is actually dark for the fine line. The tungsten ballpoint does allow ink to flow easily. Both the blue and black are nice and rich. Though, if you don’t rotate the pen in your hand as you write, there is some ink clumping that can smear. But for the most part it’s a quick dry time. I hope it’s the tungsten design now that keeps the ink consistent. In the past I’ve felt that the ink started out dark and rich and then fade (like the ball stopped picking up ink or something) as you went down the page, but I don’t have that impression with this pen.
There’s nothing fancy about these pens except that they’re shiny. It’s simple, plastic, with no bells or whistles. The gold and silver hexagonal barrels have no padding or ergonomic grip – which does lead to fatigue if you’re do a tight grip on pens like I do. But for a simple pen, it’s quite handy and nice. I would like to have a few boxes of each color on hand to have backups. I only have the one of each and I don’t want to use them up before I can find replacements.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 0.5 It’s decent. No frills. No padding. Ink can be a bit clumpy and will smear if you’re not careful (and/or left handed).
2. Grip and feel – 1 – It’s an inexpensive, plastic, no frills pen. The grip and feel is hard plastic. But you’re not buying this pen for the grip, let’s be honest.
3. Material – 1 For an inexpensive plastic pen, it’s solidly built. The cap and barrel are secure. The logo doesn’t wear off easily.
4. Overall Design – 1 -It’s a classic BIC pen that hasn’t changed in decades. It is what it is.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – These are going to be more expensive than they should be because they’re vintage and you have to find them.
4 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
[Write the Story] Students Take on a Challenge
Prompt: Students Take on a Challenge
Words: masquerade, gang, allege, double, lucky, tea, personality, parasite, class
Story
Kim Carver rubbed her temples because whacking herself in the head until she saw double wasn’t an option. Somehow, she drew the short straw and was “elected” class sponsor of prom. Yay.
“Ms. Carver! Ms. Carver! We’ve decided on a Masquerade Ball! ” The gang of unruly teenagers bounced up and down before her desk, almost inducing a hairspray and blonde blur of vertigo.
Kim took a deep pull off the tea mug that some might allege contained more than the custom blend she purchased from a local business, but she wasn’t that lucky. “Are you sure this time? It’s the fourth theme you’ve presented. Do you really want to take this one to the principal?”
Let them! It will make it so much easier.
Shut up Kim smiled tightly. “If you really want to do a masquerade, we’ll do that.”
So began months of wrangling, meetings, contracts, and introduction after introduction of one insane idea after another. It’ll all be over. It’ll all be fine. It’ll be glorious!
By May, Kim wanted to strangle all the “personality” out of the prom committee, but she kept the urge contained. The masquerade concept went over better than anticipated despite fears of identity and safety issues. The energy of the room even seemed…subdued as Kim wandered the dance with a touch to an arm here and there.
Ah, that’s better. The parasite riding her brain manifested and feasted young energy with none the wiser. Just part of the costume.
Word Count: 247
Written: 6/20/17
[Writer Post] Is it Wednesday or Monday (Again)?
Days are confusing this week with the holiday being on Tuesday. It’s kinda like there are two Mondays – but it’s not a pen review day (though it did get me looking up something to help organize pens, though it’ll never be on the same level ever to Jimmy. He has a blog binder for his pencil collection). But that’s not what Wednesdays are for (and darn it, it’s WEDNESDAY – not Monday, Part 2).
So, what’s going on with me? Well… first I had too much Day Job Brain, and not enough Creative Brain. Then there was a minor resurgence of Creative Brain with not enough Day Job Brain. Now, I’m trying to get to some kind of brain balance. I’m between deadlines EVERYWHERE – so there’s that (not really helping but now I can play with some projects, still be productive, and get that equilibrium back). It’s definitely a mark that the chaos of the last couple of months may be finally, finally coming to an end. Focus is a real thing, darn it!
Celebrated “Gotcha Days” for Loki and Freya. We adopted Loki seven years ago on July 4th and Freya two years ago on July 2nd. Main reasons are 1) long weekend (ish) to integrate into family; 2) it was about three months after the passing of elder pets; and 4) it’s kinda cool to give the freedom of a forever home to a critter on Independence Day (ish).
Saw Despicable Me 3 on Sunday. Those goofy movies make me happier than they probably should, but I do love them. Steve Carrell is one of the few “modern” SNL actors that I actually appreciate his work overall. He’s crazy talented in a variety of ways. I don’t necessarily LIKE Angie Tribeca but I appreciate what they’re doing with it and how they’re doing it. And Gru is an awesome character with growth and depth. It’s more than Minions (though they’re awesome, too). It’s a cute movie, go see it.
So now we continue to move forward. To commit words on paper – even if it’s editing what I already have and trying to make new words. Or, as in what happened yesterday – typing stuff into the computer. It’s all part of the process. This weekend is going to be busy, but it’s all around home. No more travel until the first week in August. YAY!!!! I was never happier than when the suitcases got put away.