[Writer Post] [Rant] People Matter – All People All the Time
I am beyond words today. I should be working on my novel edits – which I have been, but now I have to get this off my chest.
I’m not a gamer. I don’t play one on TV. Today I stand with gamers – and game developers – in my support of Zoe Quinn, Anita Sarkeesian, and Brianna Wu. I don’t know these women -though I’ve been acquainted with Frank Wu for years now. What these women are dealing with is…so unbelievable that “insane” is just too mild a word.
I can’t begin to imagine having very public rape and death threats coming at me over months. I can’t being to imagine what it’s like to have a Law & Order episode written about what’s happened to me, my colleagues, and my family. I don’t ever want to know – that wasn’t an invitation. I’m a woman in SF…we have these issues – and others.
Last month the US celebrated MLK Day. Dr. King’s famous “I have a dream” speech. Well, maybe it’s time we revisit that, because as much as I want to hide under the bed and hope things like this aren’t happening – they are. And it’s making me angry.
I pray for the day Gene Roddenberry’s vision of the future comes to pass. Where humanity (and alien life) has moved beyond the petty crap we’re all still dealing with. Unfortunately, that day is not today.
Occasionally I say stupid things. We all do. I don’t care about skin color or gender or who wants to be in a relationship with whom. I may not understand or agree with you, or be PC, or a whole number of things. But what I cannot stand, cannot tolerate are the Extremist Nut Jobs or Jerks.
I look forward to the day people are judged based on ability, on their character, and for no other reason. I look forward when children are told they can “Be anything they want to be” and have it actually mean something without worrying about whether or not they’re “plain of feature” or “good at X for a Y.” People are important. People matter.
[Pen/Pencil Review] Pilot BeGreen Precise V5 – Blue Ink
Apparently I’ve picked up a lot of Pilot Pens lately – that’s not a bad thing. I do like Pilot. The G2s are undeniably a benchmark pen. But I’ve also come to appreciate others in the family. Jimmy’s always liked the Precise V family. I’m coming around. This is the BeGreen Precise V5 in blue.
The reason I’ve been hesitant to embrace the Precise V family of pens is the needle point. I’ve always been a little afraid of needle points because they always felt flimsy to me, like I would bend or break them (and I think I have in the distant past). 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.
The pen is about 5.5″ long capped and close to 6.25″ with the cap posted. 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 transparent panels to let you see the ink level. The cap cover matches the ink. The logo panel is green with ink matching portions to the barrel so you know which pen you’re picking up.
Pilot’s BeGreen lines of pens have high recycled materials content for the environmentally friendly. The BeGreen Precise V5 has 89.2% recycled content. The blue and black versions of the pen are refillable for a further economy to an economical pen. This is a good workhorse pen that has a price point, so if it’s stolen off a desk, it’s no big loss.
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 – 0.5 – It’s a basic stick pen. There’s no real ergonomics. It’s all plastic with a clip that could snap off if you mess with it too much.
3. Material – 1 – It’s recycled plastic. It does have the highest recycled content of any of the BeGreen line I’ve picked up lately.
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 – 1 – This pen is affordable and refillable. It’s a good deal. I got this pen on JetPens for $1.80. Refills come in blue and black for $2.00 for a two-pack.
4.0 out of 5 bronze pencils.
[Spotlight Post] North Texas Comic Book Shows
Oh, yeah, Friday. Tomorrow I’m doing something for Fan Day’s Saturday Night Shindig, which reminds me I didn’t get to talk about North Texas Comic Book Show last week.
North Texas Comic Book Show (NTCBS) is a similar but much smaller show than Fan Expo. Chris is the organizer and focuses on the artists and cosplayers – at the moment. It might expand in the future, because it does seem to be gradually getting bigger and better for the attendees.
The attendees that currently come to NTCBS are a core group. Some were friends of the organizer and/or the artists – but it does appear those core people are telling people. And this last show, News Fix 33 (CW 33) came by and did a story – which is awesome. Though I do have to question their title – “Comic Book Show Draws Thousands” – thousands of WHAT they don’t say, because it wasn’t PEOPLE.
Don’t get me wrong there were people there over the two days – but they were a lot of the SAME people. Hundreds maybe, but not thousands – because if there were, we’d’ve been shut down for breaking a bajillion fire codes – which is always a good problem to have.
This was a “squeaker” show for me. I made just over table costs – but barely and not until the last few hours of the show. I sweat the show. I did, because though it’s NOT all about the money, that’s a major factor. The other major factor was, and is, meeting people and trying to attract new readers. The comic books shows are a harder sale to make – because these are folks generally looking for specific things. They’re not always there to look for prose, but I get some – and they’re not people I’d necessarily meet anywhere else.
It’s completely worth it. THIS show… though not as flashy (or expensive – WAY, WAY less expensive) as Fan Expo – it’s got heart. It’s got GOOD people involved. Even if I’d not made money at this particular show, I would go back. In fact, I “strayed” to do the bigger show and have come back just because it’s less expensive and more intimate. I can get to know people here. I can’t at the big show.
So if you’re into comic books – really into comic books – and comic book art, consider coming to the next NTCBS (I hear they’re doing a Spiderman theme) and support a growing show.
[Writer Post] SFWA’s New Shoes – and Novel Edits
I posted my ConDFW schedule yesterday. I’m delving into my solo novel edits now. So really busy. But will mention this one thing that happened in the SF professional community…
SFWA has changed their bylaws to change their Active Membership guidelines. Many are hailing it as a massive step forward because it “Allows for self-published and small press” credits. I’m one of the few who thinks it’s a smaller step than many are saying.
One, there’s still a list of “qualifying” and “non-qualifying” markets – so even if you meet the criteria now for sales numbers (which they’re in their rights to set as a benchmark – they’re a “professional organization” not a “writer’s group”) you can probably still be turned down for membership of your small press is on the “non-qualifying” list.
The numbers are what they are. What is not mentioned is what sales reports they’ll accept for proof of income. Is it JUST advance/royalty/combo? Will they take convention and signing sales into account? You see, I make royalties on books I sell through Yard Dog Press either online or through THEIR BOOTH at conventions. The conventions and shows I do on my own? I buy stock from the publisher but don’t earn royalties. Do those sales count? I haven’t seen a response to that yet.
They’ve also raised the pro rate per word for short fiction – which means there will be fewer markets and slots for the meager raise. (Yeah, pro rates are still ridiculously low.) So that’s going to be fun.
Many have speculated on how/why this came about. I don’t really care – it’s a step in the right direction – and one that still won’t apply to me any time soon. I have ONE qualifying sale under the old rules. Don’t know when I’ll get the next one. I really wish they’d consider a body of work kind of thing. But until then? I’ll watch. I’ll write. And in some people’s eyes (very few who might read this, but a couple of the Old School Corp) I’ll continue to be less of a professional – but happy.
Now let me get back to work on my novel. Rewrites/edits aren’t going to do themselves (darn it).
[Conventions] ConDFW 2015 Schedule
Rhonda Eudaly
FRIDAY:
PROGRAMMING 2 (MADISON)
Friday, 8pm: Yard Dog Road Show!
Panelists: Kathy Turski, Melanie Fletcher, Rie Sheridan Rose, Dusty Rainbolt, Rhonda Eudaly, William Ledbetter, Frank Summers, Teresa Patterson and others!
The fantastic authors of the Yard Dog Press put on their always entertaining Road Show! Make sure not to miss this.
SATURDAY:
PROGRAMMING 3 (HAMILTON)
Saturday, 11am: The “Frozen†Phenomenon
Panelists: Gloria Oliver (M), Mary Gearhartâ€Gray, Cassandra Rose Clarke, Rhonda Eudaly, KM Tolan
There have been more and more animated movies (and regular movies, for that matter!) that feature female leads which are exceptionally strong. The most recent of these was Frozen, and girls, even very young girls, are reacting strongly to the relationships between the female leads and the music in this movie. What’s up? There is not the usual Disney “princess” thing going on with these girls. The reaction is different and worthy of being discussed.
PROGRAMMING 2 (MADISON)
Saturday, 12pm: Shared World Anthologies: Playing in a Sandbox
Panelists: Larry Atchley Jr (M), Chris Fulbright, Rhonda Eudaly, Sue Sinor, Kevin Hosey Our panelists talk about creating anthologies in a shared world, and the difficulties that result from playing in someone else’s sandbox. What are the rules? Who are you allowed to kill or marry? How dramatic can you be when large events that you may not be able to alter are happening around your characters? These topics and others will be discussed.
AUTOGRAPHS (DEALERS ROOM) Saturday, 3pm: Rhonda Eudaly, Julia S. Mandala, Dusty Rainbolt
PROGRAMMING 2 (MADISON)
Saturday, 5pm: Flights of Fancy: Fighters in Space
Panelists: William Ledbetter (M), Rhonda Eudaly, C. Dean Andersson, T. M. Hunter, Chris Donahue
From Star Wars to Battlestar Galactica, the stories and images of fighters going against unimaginable odds has fired the imagination. We call upon our panelists to look at these small craft and talk about how to write for them: for instance, what kind of propulsion do they have? What level of realism should be used when talking about fighter battles? These questions and others may be covered. Just remember, Red Five is STILL standing by.
SUNDAY:
READING (ADAMS) Sunday, 11am: William Ledbetter, Rhonda Eudaly
[Pen/Pencil Review] Pentel Vicuna Retractable 0.5mm Pen – Red Ink
I’ve been doing a lot of editing lately – so I’ve pulled out all my red pens and have bought a few new ones. Today’s pen is one of them. It’s also, apparently, one of the few things I’ve picked up on JetPens lately that’s NOT from Pilot. This is the Vicuna retractable ball point pen from Pentel.
The Pentel Vicuna is an extremely low-viscosity ball point ink with a very smooth ball point. The ink is rich for the fine point line – these pens come in my favorite 0.5mm point. There’s a tiny bit of smearing on smoother paper – but in the most cases it’s negligible.
This retractable pen comes in at least the major colors – look like some fashion color barrels. The primary colors – like this red – the barrel matches the ink. The mechanism is smooth and secure. The plastic barrel is actually referred to as an “elastomer” – which is a slightly softer polymer? There is some give to the barrel and the ridged grip. But the lines of the pen are comfortable. It’s about 5.5″ long – which is typical of a standard retractable pen. The clip is fairly sturdy for being plastic.
It’s a great workhorse of a pen. I’ve used it a A LOT in the past couple of weeks – it’s been in high rotation. It’s a nice little pen. It’s not the cheapest thing you can get, but it’s not outrageously priced. And JetPens does seem to have refills for them.
The Numbers.
1. How does it work? – 1 – This is a solid working pen. The ink is good. The point is solid. The retractor mechanism is pretty standard.
2. Look and feel – 1 – It’s a decent link, but it has a good look and feel – artistic and sleek with a nod to ergonomics and balance.
3. Material – 0.5 – It’s your basic plastic (even though they call it elastomer), it’s plastic.
4. Overall Design – 1 – It’s functional. It’s an average length retractable pen with some artistic details. It’s got a good color ink and fine point. It’s a good point.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – This pen is affordable but not the cheapest pen ever. On JetPens, they run $2.50. It is refillable.
4.0 out of 5 bronze pencils.
[Spotlight Post] Elgin and McCullough – RIP
I was going to dedicate this post to the North Texas Comic Book Show wrap up, but some stuff happened, and I will address that first. Once more we have a Memorial Post.
January 29th we found out Suzette Haden Elgin passed away. I’m sure I’ve met her at some convention, but she wasn’t the force in my life that she was to many of my friends and colleagues. She was an inspired writer, a mentor to people I know and care about, a linguist, and many other things. I wish peace and condolences to all who grieve for her loss. The Science Fiction community will not be the same without her.
From SFWA.ORG
Notice I did not mention anything about her appearance or other “attributes†– because those things DO NOT MATTER. What matters is her work, her life, and her contributions to the world. I say this because what else hit the feeds in the past 24 hours.
The publishing and reading world lost Colleen McCullough. Ms. McCullough is best known for writing The Thorn Birds – which I have read. I’ve also seen the mini-series with Richard Chamberlain. She also wrote 20-plus other books while being a neurophysiologist and researcher at freakin’ YALE. Most news outlets have treated her passing with the respect and sadness such things should garner. And to all who grieve for Ms. McCullough’s loss, my deepest condolences.
From ABC.AU
One jackass of an obit writer in Australia had to be… less than professional. He said in his opening paragraph: â€COLLEEN McCullough, Australia’s best selling author, was a charmer. Plain of feature, and certainly overweight, she was, nevertheless, a woman of wit and warmth. In one interview, she said: “I’ve never been into clothes or figure and the interesting thing is I never had any trouble attracting men.â€
He has earned the ire social media has heaped upon his teeny-tiny pissant head, excuse my language. Wheaton’s Law, dude, Don’t Be A Dick. Way to be professional – because 1) weight has everything to do with everything, and 2) when did attractiveness mean a person couldn’t be warm and witty? In in another paragraph called her an “Egotist†for daring to talk to the press about any or all or her books, research, and/or accomplishments. If I DIDN’T talk to anyone who’d let me – I’d never get another book contract because I wasn’t “promoting enoughâ€. Sheesh. Double narrowminded standard much? Wanna make a point to this dillweed? Go read one of her books while eating cake on a podcast. I dare you.
Sorry for the rant – this has gone long – I’ll talk about comics next week. But if you want to know what I want to be when I grow up? One of these women would be nice – with some Helen Mirren thrown in for attitude.
[Pen/Pencil Review] The Lamy Tip Rollerball Medium Point
This week’s pen review is a “nicer” rollerball (but fun) pen from Lamy. I picked up the Lamy Tipo Rollerball from JetPens in December. It’s referred to as a “medium” point, which I think is a 0.7mm. Part of what makes it “fun” is, in fact, the box the pen comes in.
The Lamy Tipo is a plastic retractable pen with a metal conical tip. However, the design is sleek, modern, and artistic. The Tipo I picked up is the graphite body with black accents, it does come in other body colors for a fashion statement, if you’re into that kind of thing. The body is about 5″ long. The clip is the clicker. It’s black plastic and sticks up above the flat top of the pen for an architectural look. The tip retracts by pressing the clip at the top to release the spring.
The ink is dark and smooth. I believe it’s a 0.7mm. It doesn’t seem to smear as much on nicer paper. It dries quickly and well. The grip is ribbed in black plastic and molded through to a smooth base. It’s a decent writing experience.
The box is a fold open with a nested frame that makes it look like airplane wings. For a Lamy, the price isn’t all that bad. It’s expensive for a generic rollerball – but there’s nothing GENERIC about Lamy. It’s a cool little pen. You might like it.
The Numbers.
1. How does it work? – 1 – This is a solid working pen. The ink is decent. The point is solid. The retractor mechanism takes a moment to figure out.
2. Look and feel – 1 – It’s a touch on the short side, but it has a good look and feel – artistic and sleek with a nod to ergonomics and balance.
3. Material – 0.5 – For the brand I would’ve like to see a better material than plastic, but seems sturdy.
4. Overall Design – 1 – It’s fun. It’s functional. It’s an average length retractable pen with some artistic details.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – This pen is on the pricy side. On JetPens, they run $10.50 – which is pricy for a plastic retractable pen. It is refillable. It’s nice, but maybe as a gift pen – because you’re also paying for the cool box.
4.0 out of 5 bronze pencils.
