I've just sent off 5,000 words of Hiding to Earlyworks Press along with a cheque for £14. They're having a competition for 'Book-length Fiction for Children or Teens'. First prize is either £100 advance plus publication, or £350 cash plus a professional appraisal and edit.
earlyworkspress.co.uk/childrens_fiction_competition
I've never entered a competition with an entry fee before. As long as the holders are up front and honest about it I don't see a problem. The fees could cover the cost of the prize, which is fair as long as it is not described as 'donated by our generous sponsor ...'. That means more competitions for us optimistic types.
The holder of the competition could also use the entry fee as an income stream to keep their enterprise going. Again not a problem, as long as everything is transparent and above board.
One advantage for those entering is that it probably cuts down the number of entrants. Those who only enter free comps are not necessarily of lower quality, but it is easier to stand out in a smaller crowd. Plus your work is more likely to get a good look rather than a cursory glance.
So if any one's interested in my new competition let me know. First prize is a free sheet of blank A4, winner to be drawn at random, entry fee £50. You must be prepared to come and collect your prize though, I'm not paying for postage.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Sherlock
I'm a big fan of Sherlock Holmes, so made sure to watch last night's premier of BBC's new Sherlock. For those who aren't aware, the series sets the Arthur Conan Doyle characters in modern London. I liked it, and I reckon 8 out of 10 would be a fair score.
Spoiler Warning. Don't read past here if you haven't seen it yet and were planning to do so.
The episode 'A Study In Pink' started off by following Sherlock's opening story 'A Study In Scarlet' very closely. Watson is an army doctor recuperating in London due to problems with his nerves (or post-traumatic stress disorder as they call it nowadays). When he first meets Holmes, Sherlock is battering corpses in a morgue trying to determine if you can bruise a body after death. I think in the novel Watson only hears about this second hand, but I was pleased to see it in the programme. They agree to share a flat, and soon come across a body with 'Rache' written next to it. After this 'Pink' diverges from 'Scarlet', which I admit did disappoint me a little but was probably the best option for the writers to take. While I'd enjoy seeing how the writers manage to crowbar the story into modern times, most viewers won't have read the original fiction and will just want the best story possible, which is fair enough.
Benedict Cumberbatch (great name) is Holmes and Martin Freeman plays John Watson. They both play the roles well, and although I loved Nigel Bruce in those old Holmes films with Basil Rathbone, I'm glad Watson is played as a much more capable adventurer in his own right. I remember that Watson was always packing his revolver in the books, and was never shy of letting off a shot at the villains. Still the bit where Watson shot the murderer was a bit of a surprise, and then Holmes tortures the dying man to get him to talk, Blimey! I don't think Arthur Conan Doyle's Holmes would have done that, but it actually fits the character if you accept that he's a sociopath. I'm quite comfortable for the writers to take sensible liberties with the characters if it adds to the story.
I was also glad to see Mycroft appear. I always thought he was underused in the stories. I'd rather it wasn't Mark Gatiss who played him though. Not sure why, he's never done anything to me, but I just don't like him in straight roles.
As Stephen Moffat and Mark Gatiss created and wrote the series, I'm sure there'll be lots of comparisons between Sherlock and Doctor Who. The main characters are both brilliant men, fighting evil who don't really fit in with human society. The good Doctor has always had a streak of Holmes in him anyway, for example the Master was specifically created to be the Doctor's Moriarty way back in Jon Pertwee's time.
I did have couple of issues with the episode. Why didn't Holmes just take the pill he chose down to the lab at the end to see if he'd guessed right, rather than chuck it at the murderer in a sulk when he wouldn't tell him. I was also disappointed with the revealed solution, seemed a bit simple really. Still, like I said, 8/10, and I'll be watching next week.
Spoiler Warning. Don't read past here if you haven't seen it yet and were planning to do so.
The episode 'A Study In Pink' started off by following Sherlock's opening story 'A Study In Scarlet' very closely. Watson is an army doctor recuperating in London due to problems with his nerves (or post-traumatic stress disorder as they call it nowadays). When he first meets Holmes, Sherlock is battering corpses in a morgue trying to determine if you can bruise a body after death. I think in the novel Watson only hears about this second hand, but I was pleased to see it in the programme. They agree to share a flat, and soon come across a body with 'Rache' written next to it. After this 'Pink' diverges from 'Scarlet', which I admit did disappoint me a little but was probably the best option for the writers to take. While I'd enjoy seeing how the writers manage to crowbar the story into modern times, most viewers won't have read the original fiction and will just want the best story possible, which is fair enough.
Benedict Cumberbatch (great name) is Holmes and Martin Freeman plays John Watson. They both play the roles well, and although I loved Nigel Bruce in those old Holmes films with Basil Rathbone, I'm glad Watson is played as a much more capable adventurer in his own right. I remember that Watson was always packing his revolver in the books, and was never shy of letting off a shot at the villains. Still the bit where Watson shot the murderer was a bit of a surprise, and then Holmes tortures the dying man to get him to talk, Blimey! I don't think Arthur Conan Doyle's Holmes would have done that, but it actually fits the character if you accept that he's a sociopath. I'm quite comfortable for the writers to take sensible liberties with the characters if it adds to the story.
I was also glad to see Mycroft appear. I always thought he was underused in the stories. I'd rather it wasn't Mark Gatiss who played him though. Not sure why, he's never done anything to me, but I just don't like him in straight roles.
As Stephen Moffat and Mark Gatiss created and wrote the series, I'm sure there'll be lots of comparisons between Sherlock and Doctor Who. The main characters are both brilliant men, fighting evil who don't really fit in with human society. The good Doctor has always had a streak of Holmes in him anyway, for example the Master was specifically created to be the Doctor's Moriarty way back in Jon Pertwee's time.
I did have couple of issues with the episode. Why didn't Holmes just take the pill he chose down to the lab at the end to see if he'd guessed right, rather than chuck it at the murderer in a sulk when he wouldn't tell him. I was also disappointed with the revealed solution, seemed a bit simple really. Still, like I said, 8/10, and I'll be watching next week.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Pirate Galaxy- Story Mission completed
I love Pirate Galaxy, but there are times when I just want to smash its face in.
In order to progress through the game, you have to complete what are known as Story Missions. These follow a connected narrative, completing a story in each system. For example in my current system I'm helping scattered colonies of humans struggling to survive on a previously civilised planet, now devastated by the alien Mantis.
I've been stuck on Trade Enabler, a story mission, for ages. It's a squad mission, meaning it's almost impossible to complete with just one player, unless he's flying a more advanced ship. The trouble is you can't get to the next system and get a better ship without completing all story missions in your current system. These missions can be fun and do encourage team play, but if your clan is disbanding, or maybe just no one likes you, it can be hard to find someone who is at the same point in the story as you.
Luckily last night I found a player named Red_Shift who was just about to take on the mission. Even better, he had three wing men with the most advanced ships possible. I shepherded the colonist ship we were protecting, but mostly watched in awe as the Sol ships wasted any Mantis who even thought of looking at us. Bit of a cheat really, but it's who you know right?
Anyway we were 90% of the way through the mission when the game suddenly locked up and kicked me out. My throat closed up and I tried not to hyper-ventilate as I frantically tried to log back in. To have it snatched away at the last minute, the injustice, the unfairness, the b*****ds! When I finally got back into the game, the mission was over and Red_Shift had gone. I got back into orbit, a Mantis Death Squad at my heels, and checked the mission register. Trade Enabler was completed.
Thank you Red_Shift, I am eternally in your debt.
Update
I now have a blog dedicated to Pirate Galaxy. Visit http://cryonitecove.blogspot.com/ and let me know what you think.
In order to progress through the game, you have to complete what are known as Story Missions. These follow a connected narrative, completing a story in each system. For example in my current system I'm helping scattered colonies of humans struggling to survive on a previously civilised planet, now devastated by the alien Mantis.
I've been stuck on Trade Enabler, a story mission, for ages. It's a squad mission, meaning it's almost impossible to complete with just one player, unless he's flying a more advanced ship. The trouble is you can't get to the next system and get a better ship without completing all story missions in your current system. These missions can be fun and do encourage team play, but if your clan is disbanding, or maybe just no one likes you, it can be hard to find someone who is at the same point in the story as you.
Luckily last night I found a player named Red_Shift who was just about to take on the mission. Even better, he had three wing men with the most advanced ships possible. I shepherded the colonist ship we were protecting, but mostly watched in awe as the Sol ships wasted any Mantis who even thought of looking at us. Bit of a cheat really, but it's who you know right?
Anyway we were 90% of the way through the mission when the game suddenly locked up and kicked me out. My throat closed up and I tried not to hyper-ventilate as I frantically tried to log back in. To have it snatched away at the last minute, the injustice, the unfairness, the b*****ds! When I finally got back into the game, the mission was over and Red_Shift had gone. I got back into orbit, a Mantis Death Squad at my heels, and checked the mission register. Trade Enabler was completed.
Thank you Red_Shift, I am eternally in your debt.
Update
I now have a blog dedicated to Pirate Galaxy. Visit http://cryonitecove.blogspot.com/ and let me know what you think.
Inception
I went to see Inception on Saturday. It's a good film. The effects work really well, impressive but not overpowering the story. I'm not an especial fan of Leonardo DiCaprio but he was a good lead, and Marion Cotillard gave a very creepy performance as his wife. I did have a problem with Joseph Gordon-Levitt but it wasn't his fault. Every time he was on screen I kept seeing him as Tommy in his role from Third Rock From The Sun. I'm sure a few more films and I'll get over that.
Inception is an intelligent film so keep your wits about you. However if you start to lose track of who's dreaming who dreaming what at what speed (it makes sense believe me) then there's plenty of blockbuster spectacle to keep you entertained.
I enjoyed Inception a lot, and my companion said it was one of the best films she'd ever seen. One for the big screen, so if you're interested don't put it off, go see it at the cinema.
Inception is an intelligent film so keep your wits about you. However if you start to lose track of who's dreaming who dreaming what at what speed (it makes sense believe me) then there's plenty of blockbuster spectacle to keep you entertained.
I enjoyed Inception a lot, and my companion said it was one of the best films she'd ever seen. One for the big screen, so if you're interested don't put it off, go see it at the cinema.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Made-Up Story for Bedtime
I have on occasion been called upon to make up a bedtime story on the spot. The bedtimer is always the heroine, and I usually get a specified cast list as well. In these stories the heroine has gone to school with socks on her hands and gloves on her feet, stepped out of the crowd at half-time to play and win a football match, rescued her friend from a giant spider that lives behind the garden shed, and helped Doctor Who on his adventures with her magic wand.
The most successful stories have been the ones where the bedtimer's two cats turn into human children, or turn the bedtimer into a cat. Last night the cats came to school and took part in Sports Day. The boy/cat Toby won the running race by dropping to all fours half way when he forgot he was pretending to be human. The high-jump was a bit of failure as the cats tried to blend in and Toby ran face-first into the bar, which got a big laugh from the bedtimer. Finally they got first, second and third in the egg-and-spoon race. Girl/cat Rose would have won but she dropped her egg, so she and Toby chased it about like a cat toy leaving the bedtimer to snatch gold.
I'll have to start writing some of these down, you never know.
The most successful stories have been the ones where the bedtimer's two cats turn into human children, or turn the bedtimer into a cat. Last night the cats came to school and took part in Sports Day. The boy/cat Toby won the running race by dropping to all fours half way when he forgot he was pretending to be human. The high-jump was a bit of failure as the cats tried to blend in and Toby ran face-first into the bar, which got a big laugh from the bedtimer. Finally they got first, second and third in the egg-and-spoon race. Girl/cat Rose would have won but she dropped her egg, so she and Toby chased it about like a cat toy leaving the bedtimer to snatch gold.
I'll have to start writing some of these down, you never know.
Friday, July 9, 2010
The Host
www.hostmovie.com
A few days ago I watched The Host, a South-Korean film from 2006. I'd never heard of it but the film review in the TV guide sounded interesting. This film is a real Gem for fans of monster movies. One thing I liked about it is that the monster appears very early, in full daylight, rampaging through the city while killing innocents. Rather than nose-dive after this, the film takes more of an Alien-like suspense approach, mixed in with political satire and a characterful depiction of a family coping with tragedy. There are plans to do a sequel, and a Hollywood remake is on the cards. Search out the original now and you won't be sorry.
If you visit the official site via the link at the top you get to see the trailer, which would certainly whet my appetite.
A few days ago I watched The Host, a South-Korean film from 2006. I'd never heard of it but the film review in the TV guide sounded interesting. This film is a real Gem for fans of monster movies. One thing I liked about it is that the monster appears very early, in full daylight, rampaging through the city while killing innocents. Rather than nose-dive after this, the film takes more of an Alien-like suspense approach, mixed in with political satire and a characterful depiction of a family coping with tragedy. There are plans to do a sequel, and a Hollywood remake is on the cards. Search out the original now and you won't be sorry.
If you visit the official site via the link at the top you get to see the trailer, which would certainly whet my appetite.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The Write Place Vs Prizemagic
As I posted the other day, The Write Place has cancelled it's novel competition. After a quick bit of Google action I found out that the 'third party's website' was www.prizemagic.co.uk
I didn't see Michael Shenton's original comment on the competition, but his latest post refers to the value of the prize (publishing) and he suggests that the publishing firm are involved in vanity publishing. I've no idea myself either way so you can read the available comments on both sides and make your own mind up. Either that or just move on.
Whatever you decide to do, bookmark Prizemagic. It has an impressive list of writing competitions that are currently live. A valuable resource for budding poets and authors. It also lists active non-literary competitions which are based on skill, in case you want to put some determined effort into winning a car or holiday. Good luck.
I didn't see Michael Shenton's original comment on the competition, but his latest post refers to the value of the prize (publishing) and he suggests that the publishing firm are involved in vanity publishing. I've no idea myself either way so you can read the available comments on both sides and make your own mind up. Either that or just move on.
Whatever you decide to do, bookmark Prizemagic. It has an impressive list of writing competitions that are currently live. A valuable resource for budding poets and authors. It also lists active non-literary competitions which are based on skill, in case you want to put some determined effort into winning a car or holiday. Good luck.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Intriguing
I posted here that I would be entering The Write Place Competition. Unfortunately the entry details on the site have been replaced with the following
I immediately started to feel guilty. Had I wrecked the competition by posting it here? What did I say? When I got home would there be a crowd of earnest authors waiting for me, slapping monkey wrenches into their palms? (Yes I know, but whenever I picture someone looking for trouble I always see them with adjustable spanners).
I'd love to know the story behind the comp being pulled. I think I am in the clear, but shall have to investigate.
IMPORTANT NOTICE AND APOLOGY - Due to comments from a third party's website that has compromised entries to this competition we have had no choice but to cancel the event.
I immediately started to feel guilty. Had I wrecked the competition by posting it here? What did I say? When I got home would there be a crowd of earnest authors waiting for me, slapping monkey wrenches into their palms? (Yes I know, but whenever I picture someone looking for trouble I always see them with adjustable spanners).
I'd love to know the story behind the comp being pulled. I think I am in the clear, but shall have to investigate.
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