![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
"I Write Like..."
Jul. 13th, 2010 10:51 amMichael Merriam. Which shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.
I'm celebrating the new One Year Closer to Balance holiday by casting aside my (admittedly already trashed) internet sabbatical, because my (almost non-existent) sabbatical was, it turns out, mostly about finding balance. It was about balancing the time I spend on the internet against writing, housework, and other personal needs.
Although I did not completely withdraw from the internet, I did cut back enough to make some serious realizations. The first thing I discovered was that, after being away from them for a couple of days or more, there were places on the internet--networking sites, webcomics, blogs, and others--that I did not miss. After consideration, I realized I was still visiting these sites out of habit and nothing more. I had once enjoyed them, but now they are just time-sucking wastes of my day. They have been set aside.
I found that I had become compulsive in checking Gmail / Live Journal / Facebook / MinnSpec Forums: So much so that it was interfering with my writing time. I've decided next week to start a schedule (schedules, it seems, are becoming a very important part of my life) where I will visit these places for an hour in the morning, an half-hour over lunch, and an hour in the evening. That's still 2.5 hours allotted for these sites, which I think is more than enough time. I did find that I missed LJ, and when things became difficult this week with Reverend Selena's situation it was nice to come here and get some extra emotional support from my friends. Live Journal has been very good to me, and I won't give it up. I will, however modify my usage of it to better manage my time. Balance. It's all about balance.
I'm also working on balancing the needs of my writing life against the needs of my personal life against the needs of my own sanity. I'm going to talk more about this latter in another post, but I think one of the reasons I've slowed down in my writing is, I've let too much of the noise on the writing-related blogs, forums, and websites I frequent get into my head. Too much snark, and too much anger. Too much snobbery and tearing down. Too many otherwise fine writers, editors, and agents forgetting where they came from, and that we all had to start somewhere. Too much forgetting that everyone begins as a beginner. Too much of me worrying about what other people think and being told what a story should and shouldn't be, what it is and isn't. Just…too much. I lost my way for a time, let those self-appointed arbitrators of what is and is not "Good Fiction / Writing" get into my head, which is one of the dangers of being deeply immersed in these writing-related places. I had to get away, reset, and remember why I write. I had to remember that at the core of it all, I write for myself.
I find myself trying to mentally balance the cold hard truth that--no matter how hard I work--it is quite likely I will never ever never find even a little success (financial or otherwise) in this business against the deep pathological need to write, to tell stories, to create (hopefully) entertaining fictions for the amusement of readers. And I'm searching to find a good balance between my desire to pursue writing as a career and the needs of my family. Despite some decent sales, I'm making no money to speak of, and![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
careswen is going to need to start her internship soon. Given my physical limitations and the current economic climate, I've pretty much come to the hard realization that finding employ in a "classic" workplace environment is unlikely, so I need to focus on finding more freelance work. I've been doing blurb and copy writing coupled with a little freelance editing, and found I enjoy it. I'd like to find more work like this, maybe add in some freelance researcher / fact checker-for-hire work as well. Add in the situation with the Reverend Selena, and finding a way to balance my nascent writing career against my personal responsibilities in order to maintain a stable home life is paramount.
There could be more to this, but I think you get the idea. Now, I'm going to go have dinner and then I'm going to work on a story. Thus ends the (greatly abbreviated) sabbatical.
Although I did not completely withdraw from the internet, I did cut back enough to make some serious realizations. The first thing I discovered was that, after being away from them for a couple of days or more, there were places on the internet--networking sites, webcomics, blogs, and others--that I did not miss. After consideration, I realized I was still visiting these sites out of habit and nothing more. I had once enjoyed them, but now they are just time-sucking wastes of my day. They have been set aside.
I found that I had become compulsive in checking Gmail / Live Journal / Facebook / MinnSpec Forums: So much so that it was interfering with my writing time. I've decided next week to start a schedule (schedules, it seems, are becoming a very important part of my life) where I will visit these places for an hour in the morning, an half-hour over lunch, and an hour in the evening. That's still 2.5 hours allotted for these sites, which I think is more than enough time. I did find that I missed LJ, and when things became difficult this week with Reverend Selena's situation it was nice to come here and get some extra emotional support from my friends. Live Journal has been very good to me, and I won't give it up. I will, however modify my usage of it to better manage my time. Balance. It's all about balance.
I'm also working on balancing the needs of my writing life against the needs of my personal life against the needs of my own sanity. I'm going to talk more about this latter in another post, but I think one of the reasons I've slowed down in my writing is, I've let too much of the noise on the writing-related blogs, forums, and websites I frequent get into my head. Too much snark, and too much anger. Too much snobbery and tearing down. Too many otherwise fine writers, editors, and agents forgetting where they came from, and that we all had to start somewhere. Too much forgetting that everyone begins as a beginner. Too much of me worrying about what other people think and being told what a story should and shouldn't be, what it is and isn't. Just…too much. I lost my way for a time, let those self-appointed arbitrators of what is and is not "Good Fiction / Writing" get into my head, which is one of the dangers of being deeply immersed in these writing-related places. I had to get away, reset, and remember why I write. I had to remember that at the core of it all, I write for myself.
I find myself trying to mentally balance the cold hard truth that--no matter how hard I work--it is quite likely I will never ever never find even a little success (financial or otherwise) in this business against the deep pathological need to write, to tell stories, to create (hopefully) entertaining fictions for the amusement of readers. And I'm searching to find a good balance between my desire to pursue writing as a career and the needs of my family. Despite some decent sales, I'm making no money to speak of, and
careswen is going to need to start her internship soon. Given my physical limitations and the current economic climate, I've pretty much come to the hard realization that finding employ in a "classic" workplace environment is unlikely, so I need to focus on finding more freelance work. I've been doing blurb and copy writing coupled with a little freelance editing, and found I enjoy it. I'd like to find more work like this, maybe add in some freelance researcher / fact checker-for-hire work as well. Add in the situation with the Reverend Selena, and finding a way to balance my nascent writing career against my personal responsibilities in order to maintain a stable home life is paramount. There could be more to this, but I think you get the idea. Now, I'm going to go have dinner and then I'm going to work on a story. Thus ends the (greatly abbreviated) sabbatical.
I'm celebrating the new One Year Closer to Balance holiday by casting aside my (admittedly already trashed) internet sabbatical, because my (almost non-existent) sabbatical was, it turns out, mostly about finding balance. It was about balancing the time I spend on the internet against writing, housework, and other personal needs.
Although I did not completely withdraw from the internet, I did cut back enough to make some serious realizations. The first thing I discovered was that, after being away from them for a couple of days or more, there were places on the internet--networking sites, webcomics, blogs, and others--that I did not miss. After consideration, I realized I was still visiting these sites out of habit and nothing more. I had once enjoyed them, but now they are just time-sucking wastes of my day. They have been set aside.
I found that I had become compulsive in checking Gmail / Live Journal / Facebook / MinnSpec Forums: So much so that it was interfering with my writing time. I've decided next week to start a schedule (schedules, it seems, are becoming a very important part of my life) where I will visit these places for an hour in the morning, an half-hour over lunch, and an hour in the evening. That's still 2.5 hours allotted for these sites, which I think is more than enough time. I did find that I missed LJ, and when things became difficult this week with Reverend Selena's situation it was nice to come here and get some extra emotional support from my friends. Live Journal has been very good to me, and I won't give it up. I will, however modify my usage of it to better manage my time. Balance. It's all about balance.
I'm also working on balancing the needs of my writing life against the needs of my personal life against the needs of my own sanity. I'm going to talk more about this latter in another post, but I think one of the reasons I've slowed down in my writing is, I've let too much of the noise on the writing-related blogs, forums, and websites I frequent get into my head. Too much snark, and too much anger. Too much snobbery and tearing down. Too many otherwise fine writers, editors, and agents forgetting where they came from, and that we all had to start somewhere. Too much forgetting that everyone begins as a beginner. Too much of me worrying about what other people think and being told what a story should and shouldn't be, what it is and isn't. Just…too much. I lost my way for a time, let those self-appointed arbitrators of what is and is not "Good Fiction / Writing" get into my head, which is one of the dangers of being deeply immersed in these writing-related places. I had to get away, reset, and remember why I write. I had to remember that at the core of it all, I write for myself.
I find myself trying to mentally balance the cold hard truth that--no matter how hard I work--it is quite likely I will never ever never find even a little success (financial or otherwise) in this business against the deep pathological need to write, to tell stories, to create (hopefully) entertaining fictions for the amusement of readers. And I'm searching to find a good balance between my desire to pursue writing as a career and the needs of my family. Despite some decent sales, I'm making no money to speak of, andcareswen is going to need to start her internship soon. Given my physical limitations and the current economic climate, I've pretty much come to the hard realization that finding employ in a "classic" workplace environment is unlikely, so I need to focus on finding more freelance work. I've been doing blurb and copy writing coupled with a little freelance editing, and found I enjoy it. I'd like to find more work like this, maybe add in some freelance researcher / fact checker-for-hire work as well. Add in the situation with the Reverend Selena, and finding a way to balance my nascent writing career against my personal responsibilities in order to maintain a stable home life is paramount.
There could be more to this, but I think you get the idea. Now, I'm going to go have dinner and then I'm going to work on a story. Thus ends the (greatly abbreviated) sabbatical.
Although I did not completely withdraw from the internet, I did cut back enough to make some serious realizations. The first thing I discovered was that, after being away from them for a couple of days or more, there were places on the internet--networking sites, webcomics, blogs, and others--that I did not miss. After consideration, I realized I was still visiting these sites out of habit and nothing more. I had once enjoyed them, but now they are just time-sucking wastes of my day. They have been set aside.
I found that I had become compulsive in checking Gmail / Live Journal / Facebook / MinnSpec Forums: So much so that it was interfering with my writing time. I've decided next week to start a schedule (schedules, it seems, are becoming a very important part of my life) where I will visit these places for an hour in the morning, an half-hour over lunch, and an hour in the evening. That's still 2.5 hours allotted for these sites, which I think is more than enough time. I did find that I missed LJ, and when things became difficult this week with Reverend Selena's situation it was nice to come here and get some extra emotional support from my friends. Live Journal has been very good to me, and I won't give it up. I will, however modify my usage of it to better manage my time. Balance. It's all about balance.
I'm also working on balancing the needs of my writing life against the needs of my personal life against the needs of my own sanity. I'm going to talk more about this latter in another post, but I think one of the reasons I've slowed down in my writing is, I've let too much of the noise on the writing-related blogs, forums, and websites I frequent get into my head. Too much snark, and too much anger. Too much snobbery and tearing down. Too many otherwise fine writers, editors, and agents forgetting where they came from, and that we all had to start somewhere. Too much forgetting that everyone begins as a beginner. Too much of me worrying about what other people think and being told what a story should and shouldn't be, what it is and isn't. Just…too much. I lost my way for a time, let those self-appointed arbitrators of what is and is not "Good Fiction / Writing" get into my head, which is one of the dangers of being deeply immersed in these writing-related places. I had to get away, reset, and remember why I write. I had to remember that at the core of it all, I write for myself.
I find myself trying to mentally balance the cold hard truth that--no matter how hard I work--it is quite likely I will never ever never find even a little success (financial or otherwise) in this business against the deep pathological need to write, to tell stories, to create (hopefully) entertaining fictions for the amusement of readers. And I'm searching to find a good balance between my desire to pursue writing as a career and the needs of my family. Despite some decent sales, I'm making no money to speak of, and
careswen is going to need to start her internship soon. Given my physical limitations and the current economic climate, I've pretty much come to the hard realization that finding employ in a "classic" workplace environment is unlikely, so I need to focus on finding more freelance work. I've been doing blurb and copy writing coupled with a little freelance editing, and found I enjoy it. I'd like to find more work like this, maybe add in some freelance researcher / fact checker-for-hire work as well. Add in the situation with the Reverend Selena, and finding a way to balance my nascent writing career against my personal responsibilities in order to maintain a stable home life is paramount. There could be more to this, but I think you get the idea. Now, I'm going to go have dinner and then I'm going to work on a story. Thus ends the (greatly abbreviated) sabbatical.
And Now, Something Light-Hearted...
Oct. 10th, 2008 06:47 am| My LiveJournal Trick-or-Treat Haul |
|---|
| mmerriam goes trick-or-treating, dressed up as A High Power Washington Lobbyist Peddling Influence. |
| akillianna gives you 16 light blue mint-flavoured gummy bats. |
| careswen gives you 8 mottled green spearmint-flavoured pieces of taffy. |
| dlandon gives you 4 light blue raspberry-flavoured pieces of taffy. |
| greykev gives you 16 brown orange-flavoured pieces of chewing gum. |
| markgritter gives you 14 white banana-flavoured jawbreakers. |
| matastas tricks you! You get a rotten egg. |
| mrissa gives you 13 brown raspberry-flavoured gumdrops. |
| pezwitch tricks you! You get a scratched CD. |
| timprov gives you 2 light orange passionfruit-flavoured nuggets. |
| williamofoccam gives you 12 purple root beer-flavoured gummy bats. |
| mmerriam ends up with 85 pieces of candy, a rotten egg, and a scratched CD. |
| Another fun meme brought to you by rfreebern. |
And Now, Something Light-Hearted...
Oct. 10th, 2008 06:47 am| My LiveJournal Trick-or-Treat Haul |
|---|
| mmerriam goes trick-or-treating, dressed up as A High Power Washington Lobbyist Peddling Influence. |
| akillianna gives you 16 light blue mint-flavoured gummy bats. |
| careswen gives you 8 mottled green spearmint-flavoured pieces of taffy. |
| dlandon gives you 4 light blue raspberry-flavoured pieces of taffy. |
| greykev gives you 16 brown orange-flavoured pieces of chewing gum. |
| markgritter gives you 14 white banana-flavoured jawbreakers. |
| matastas tricks you! You get a rotten egg. |
| mrissa gives you 13 brown raspberry-flavoured gumdrops. |
| pezwitch tricks you! You get a scratched CD. |
| timprov gives you 2 light orange passionfruit-flavoured nuggets. |
| williamofoccam gives you 12 purple root beer-flavoured gummy bats. |
| mmerriam ends up with 85 pieces of candy, a rotten egg, and a scratched CD. |
| Another fun meme brought to you by rfreebern. |
A Meme and the Plan for the Day
Sep. 18th, 2008 07:49 amTake a picture of yourself right now.
don't change your clothes, don't fix your hair...just take a picture.
post that picture with NO editing.
post these instructions with your picture.
I'm fresh out of the shower, sitting on the living room floor with the laptop, which is what I used to take the picture.
The plan today is to get some house work done, especially now that the plumber is finished. I need to getcareswen's craft room back in working order, finish filing some stuff in the study, and then install a couple of shelves in the kitchen cabinets. Once that's all done, I'll get the novella back out and give it a once over before sending the VERY rough draft out to readers.
don't change your clothes, don't fix your hair...just take a picture.
post that picture with NO editing.
post these instructions with your picture.
I'm fresh out of the shower, sitting on the living room floor with the laptop, which is what I used to take the picture.
The plan today is to get some house work done, especially now that the plumber is finished. I need to get
careswen's craft room back in working order, finish filing some stuff in the study, and then install a couple of shelves in the kitchen cabinets. Once that's all done, I'll get the novella back out and give it a once over before sending the VERY rough draft out to readers.A Meme and the Plan for the Day
Sep. 18th, 2008 07:49 amTake a picture of yourself right now.
don't change your clothes, don't fix your hair...just take a picture.
post that picture with NO editing.
post these instructions with your picture.
I'm fresh out of the shower, sitting on the living room floor with the laptop, which is what I used to take the picture.
The plan today is to get some house work done, especially now that the plumber is finished. I need to getcareswen's craft room back in working order, finish filing some stuff in the study, and then install a couple of shelves in the kitchen cabinets. Once that's all done, I'll get the novella back out and give it a once over before sending the VERY rough draft out to readers.
don't change your clothes, don't fix your hair...just take a picture.
post that picture with NO editing.
post these instructions with your picture.
I'm fresh out of the shower, sitting on the living room floor with the laptop, which is what I used to take the picture.
The plan today is to get some house work done, especially now that the plumber is finished. I need to get
careswen's craft room back in working order, finish filing some stuff in the study, and then install a couple of shelves in the kitchen cabinets. Once that's all done, I'll get the novella back out and give it a once over before sending the VERY rough draft out to readers.Steampunk Character Meme
Aug. 1st, 2008 08:13 pmBecause careswen asked me to.
I'm a bit befuddled by my result. Air Pirate? Really? Me?
( Steampunk Style Test Result )
careswen asked me to. I'm a bit befuddled by my result. Air Pirate? Really? Me?
( Steampunk Style Test Result )
Steampunk Character Meme
Aug. 1st, 2008 08:13 pmBecause careswen asked me to.
I'm a bit befuddled by my result. Air Pirate? Really? Me?
( Steampunk Style Test Result )
careswen asked me to. I'm a bit befuddled by my result. Air Pirate? Really? Me?
( Steampunk Style Test Result )
Answers: Part 9
May. 3rd, 2008 09:02 amQuestions from the original post here. Feel free to go ask your own questions!
hkneale asks:
1. What do you think of those who have chosen an intense spiritual path (frex, a Catholic nun or Mormon missionary)?
While I am not a particularly religious person myself, I think if a person is called to that kind of religious vocation, then more power to them. If they find peace and joy in their faith, then I think that is a beautiful thing and I wish them happiness in their chosen path.
2. When did you last have a bath (not a shower)?
Last week. I decided I really needed to just sit and soak in hot water for awhile. It was good.
3. Stones or Beatles and why?
Beatles. I think without the Beatles, we don't get to the Stones. I also think that, as a group, the Beatles were better musicians and songwriters over-all. I think the Beatles showed more range and growth than the Stones as well. Not to say I don't love me some Stones, because I do. I just think the Beatles were something special.
4. What did you think of the last con you attended?
Minicon 43 was the last Con I attended. It was good. Maybe not the Bestest-Con-Evah! But I enjoyed myself, and I thought the con did a good job of using the space in the hotel this year. There were some really interesting panels. I wish I had spent some time hanging out around Consuite, because I've been meaning to get to know folks a little better, but it didn't happen this year. There were a few things that didn't work for me, but nothing big. All in all it was a good Con.
5. What's your favorite daydream?
Well, I could tell you, but I'm trying to keep this journal mostly family friendly!
No, seriously, I dream of the multiple book contract, as I suspect most of my flist does.
6. How would you influence scientific research?
This poses a conundrum, because I think scientific research, for a variety of fields, needs more funding and most of that funding comes from governments by way of programs and grants. On the other hand, as we’ve witnessed here in the USA lately, governments tend to only be interested in science (or pseudo-science) that supports their agendas, and if the scientific data and findings don't jive with the world view they want to see, then they ignore it, or worse, actively try to discredit it.
7. Who would you most like to receive a million dollars (other than yourself or close personal relative)?
Wow. I can think of any number of good and deserving people. I guess my thing is, I'd rather see that money used as the seeds to help lots of people of a long period of time, such as setting up a scholarship fund, or an emergency medical fund, or something along those lines.
While I can think of several folks who are deserving of that kind of windfall, I guess I've seen the unfortunate things that happen to too many lottery winners and other people who suddenly come into a ton of money all at once.
You know, we could take the money and grow it to use to influence scientific research.
hkneale asks:1. What do you think of those who have chosen an intense spiritual path (frex, a Catholic nun or Mormon missionary)?
While I am not a particularly religious person myself, I think if a person is called to that kind of religious vocation, then more power to them. If they find peace and joy in their faith, then I think that is a beautiful thing and I wish them happiness in their chosen path.
2. When did you last have a bath (not a shower)?
Last week. I decided I really needed to just sit and soak in hot water for awhile. It was good.
3. Stones or Beatles and why?
Beatles. I think without the Beatles, we don't get to the Stones. I also think that, as a group, the Beatles were better musicians and songwriters over-all. I think the Beatles showed more range and growth than the Stones as well. Not to say I don't love me some Stones, because I do. I just think the Beatles were something special.
4. What did you think of the last con you attended?
Minicon 43 was the last Con I attended. It was good. Maybe not the Bestest-Con-Evah! But I enjoyed myself, and I thought the con did a good job of using the space in the hotel this year. There were some really interesting panels. I wish I had spent some time hanging out around Consuite, because I've been meaning to get to know folks a little better, but it didn't happen this year. There were a few things that didn't work for me, but nothing big. All in all it was a good Con.
5. What's your favorite daydream?
Well, I could tell you, but I'm trying to keep this journal mostly family friendly!
No, seriously, I dream of the multiple book contract, as I suspect most of my flist does.
6. How would you influence scientific research?
This poses a conundrum, because I think scientific research, for a variety of fields, needs more funding and most of that funding comes from governments by way of programs and grants. On the other hand, as we’ve witnessed here in the USA lately, governments tend to only be interested in science (or pseudo-science) that supports their agendas, and if the scientific data and findings don't jive with the world view they want to see, then they ignore it, or worse, actively try to discredit it.
7. Who would you most like to receive a million dollars (other than yourself or close personal relative)?
Wow. I can think of any number of good and deserving people. I guess my thing is, I'd rather see that money used as the seeds to help lots of people of a long period of time, such as setting up a scholarship fund, or an emergency medical fund, or something along those lines.
While I can think of several folks who are deserving of that kind of windfall, I guess I've seen the unfortunate things that happen to too many lottery winners and other people who suddenly come into a ton of money all at once.
You know, we could take the money and grow it to use to influence scientific research.
Answers: Part 9
May. 3rd, 2008 09:02 amQuestions from the original post here. Feel free to go ask your own questions!
hkneale asks:
1. What do you think of those who have chosen an intense spiritual path (frex, a Catholic nun or Mormon missionary)?
While I am not a particularly religious person myself, I think if a person is called to that kind of religious vocation, then more power to them. If they find peace and joy in their faith, then I think that is a beautiful thing and I wish them happiness in their chosen path.
2. When did you last have a bath (not a shower)?
Last week. I decided I really needed to just sit and soak in hot water for awhile. It was good.
3. Stones or Beatles and why?
Beatles. I think without the Beatles, we don't get to the Stones. I also think that, as a group, the Beatles were better musicians and songwriters over-all. I think the Beatles showed more range and growth than the Stones as well. Not to say I don't love me some Stones, because I do. I just think the Beatles were something special.
4. What did you think of the last con you attended?
Minicon 43 was the last Con I attended. It was good. Maybe not the Bestest-Con-Evah! But I enjoyed myself, and I thought the con did a good job of using the space in the hotel this year. There were some really interesting panels. I wish I had spent some time hanging out around Consuite, because I've been meaning to get to know folks a little better, but it didn't happen this year. There were a few things that didn't work for me, but nothing big. All in all it was a good Con.
5. What's your favorite daydream?
Well, I could tell you, but I'm trying to keep this journal mostly family friendly!
No, seriously, I dream of the multiple book contract, as I suspect most of my flist does.
6. How would you influence scientific research?
This poses a conundrum, because I think scientific research, for a variety of fields, needs more funding and most of that funding comes from governments by way of programs and grants. On the other hand, as we’ve witnessed here in the USA lately, governments tend to only be interested in science (or pseudo-science) that supports their agendas, and if the scientific data and findings don't jive with the world view they want to see, then they ignore it, or worse, actively try to discredit it.
7. Who would you most like to receive a million dollars (other than yourself or close personal relative)?
Wow. I can think of any number of good and deserving people. I guess my thing is, I'd rather see that money used as the seeds to help lots of people of a long period of time, such as setting up a scholarship fund, or an emergency medical fund, or something along those lines.
While I can think of several folks who are deserving of that kind of windfall, I guess I've seen the unfortunate things that happen to too many lottery winners and other people who suddenly come into a ton of money all at once.
You know, we could take the money and grow it to use to influence scientific research.
hkneale asks:1. What do you think of those who have chosen an intense spiritual path (frex, a Catholic nun or Mormon missionary)?
While I am not a particularly religious person myself, I think if a person is called to that kind of religious vocation, then more power to them. If they find peace and joy in their faith, then I think that is a beautiful thing and I wish them happiness in their chosen path.
2. When did you last have a bath (not a shower)?
Last week. I decided I really needed to just sit and soak in hot water for awhile. It was good.
3. Stones or Beatles and why?
Beatles. I think without the Beatles, we don't get to the Stones. I also think that, as a group, the Beatles were better musicians and songwriters over-all. I think the Beatles showed more range and growth than the Stones as well. Not to say I don't love me some Stones, because I do. I just think the Beatles were something special.
4. What did you think of the last con you attended?
Minicon 43 was the last Con I attended. It was good. Maybe not the Bestest-Con-Evah! But I enjoyed myself, and I thought the con did a good job of using the space in the hotel this year. There were some really interesting panels. I wish I had spent some time hanging out around Consuite, because I've been meaning to get to know folks a little better, but it didn't happen this year. There were a few things that didn't work for me, but nothing big. All in all it was a good Con.
5. What's your favorite daydream?
Well, I could tell you, but I'm trying to keep this journal mostly family friendly!
No, seriously, I dream of the multiple book contract, as I suspect most of my flist does.
6. How would you influence scientific research?
This poses a conundrum, because I think scientific research, for a variety of fields, needs more funding and most of that funding comes from governments by way of programs and grants. On the other hand, as we’ve witnessed here in the USA lately, governments tend to only be interested in science (or pseudo-science) that supports their agendas, and if the scientific data and findings don't jive with the world view they want to see, then they ignore it, or worse, actively try to discredit it.
7. Who would you most like to receive a million dollars (other than yourself or close personal relative)?
Wow. I can think of any number of good and deserving people. I guess my thing is, I'd rather see that money used as the seeds to help lots of people of a long period of time, such as setting up a scholarship fund, or an emergency medical fund, or something along those lines.
While I can think of several folks who are deserving of that kind of windfall, I guess I've seen the unfortunate things that happen to too many lottery winners and other people who suddenly come into a ton of money all at once.
You know, we could take the money and grow it to use to influence scientific research.
Answers: Part 8
May. 2nd, 2008 01:52 pmQuestions from the original post here. Feel free to go ask your own questions!
paraselenic asks:
1. What do you think of American remakes of foreign films?
For the most part, I think they suck. For whatever reason American filmmakers have an incredible talent for taking what makes a foreign film work, cutting all that out while watering down the rest of the film and missing any cultural nuances. I suspect it has something to do with the Hollywood notion of what they think the American movie viewer wants or will understand.
2. When did you last go to a Renaissance Festival (and did you go in costume)?
It's been a few years, I think 2003 or so. Yes, I did going in costume, in fact our costumes were so good that people thought we worked at the RF, and one woman got rather upset whencareswen couldn't answer her question about where something was. We had one family ask if they could photograph us with their kids. We did, of course.
3. Swimming pool or hot tub and why?
Hot tub, mostly because I'm a crap swimmer. It's hard to get me in either one because of the fact that I'm a fat cow and know it, so I'm loath do either.
4. What did you get as gifts at your most memorable birthday party?
I think my most memorable birthday party over-all was my 40th, and while there were neat gifts (mostly involving books and beer), it was the company of my friends that made it memorable.
5. What's your favorite board game?
I've only gotten to play it once, but Arkham Horror seriously rocks!
6. How would you skin a cat?
Are we taking furry cat? Because I wouldn't, since I love them so much (though having grown up on a farm, I do know how).
If we are talking about catfish (sometimes know in the South simply as cat) then the best way I've found is to cut off the head and use a pair of sharp nosed pliers.
But you might be talking about gymnastics, in which case it would involve passing the feet and legs between the arms while hanging by the hands from a horizontal bar. Though at my size, that would look pretty ludicrous.
7. Who would you most like to see freed from prison?
I am deeply interested in this case: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Memphis_3
paraselenic asks:1. What do you think of American remakes of foreign films?
For the most part, I think they suck. For whatever reason American filmmakers have an incredible talent for taking what makes a foreign film work, cutting all that out while watering down the rest of the film and missing any cultural nuances. I suspect it has something to do with the Hollywood notion of what they think the American movie viewer wants or will understand.
2. When did you last go to a Renaissance Festival (and did you go in costume)?
It's been a few years, I think 2003 or so. Yes, I did going in costume, in fact our costumes were so good that people thought we worked at the RF, and one woman got rather upset when
careswen couldn't answer her question about where something was. We had one family ask if they could photograph us with their kids. We did, of course.3. Swimming pool or hot tub and why?
Hot tub, mostly because I'm a crap swimmer. It's hard to get me in either one because of the fact that I'm a fat cow and know it, so I'm loath do either.
4. What did you get as gifts at your most memorable birthday party?
I think my most memorable birthday party over-all was my 40th, and while there were neat gifts (mostly involving books and beer), it was the company of my friends that made it memorable.
5. What's your favorite board game?
I've only gotten to play it once, but Arkham Horror seriously rocks!
6. How would you skin a cat?
Are we taking furry cat? Because I wouldn't, since I love them so much (though having grown up on a farm, I do know how).
If we are talking about catfish (sometimes know in the South simply as cat) then the best way I've found is to cut off the head and use a pair of sharp nosed pliers.
But you might be talking about gymnastics, in which case it would involve passing the feet and legs between the arms while hanging by the hands from a horizontal bar. Though at my size, that would look pretty ludicrous.
7. Who would you most like to see freed from prison?
I am deeply interested in this case: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Memphis_3
Answers: Part 8
May. 2nd, 2008 01:52 pmQuestions from the original post here. Feel free to go ask your own questions!
paraselenic asks:
1. What do you think of American remakes of foreign films?
For the most part, I think they suck. For whatever reason American filmmakers have an incredible talent for taking what makes a foreign film work, cutting all that out while watering down the rest of the film and missing any cultural nuances. I suspect it has something to do with the Hollywood notion of what they think the American movie viewer wants or will understand.
2. When did you last go to a Renaissance Festival (and did you go in costume)?
It's been a few years, I think 2003 or so. Yes, I did going in costume, in fact our costumes were so good that people thought we worked at the RF, and one woman got rather upset whencareswen couldn't answer her question about where something was. We had one family ask if they could photograph us with their kids. We did, of course.
3. Swimming pool or hot tub and why?
Hot tub, mostly because I'm a crap swimmer. It's hard to get me in either one because of the fact that I'm a fat cow and know it, so I'm loath do either.
4. What did you get as gifts at your most memorable birthday party?
I think my most memorable birthday party over-all was my 40th, and while there were neat gifts (mostly involving books and beer), it was the company of my friends that made it memorable.
5. What's your favorite board game?
I've only gotten to play it once, but Arkham Horror seriously rocks!
6. How would you skin a cat?
Are we taking furry cat? Because I wouldn't, since I love them so much (though having grown up on a farm, I do know how).
If we are talking about catfish (sometimes know in the South simply as cat) then the best way I've found is to cut off the head and use a pair of sharp nosed pliers.
But you might be talking about gymnastics, in which case it would involve passing the feet and legs between the arms while hanging by the hands from a horizontal bar. Though at my size, that would look pretty ludicrous.
7. Who would you most like to see freed from prison?
I am deeply interested in this case: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Memphis_3
paraselenic asks:1. What do you think of American remakes of foreign films?
For the most part, I think they suck. For whatever reason American filmmakers have an incredible talent for taking what makes a foreign film work, cutting all that out while watering down the rest of the film and missing any cultural nuances. I suspect it has something to do with the Hollywood notion of what they think the American movie viewer wants or will understand.
2. When did you last go to a Renaissance Festival (and did you go in costume)?
It's been a few years, I think 2003 or so. Yes, I did going in costume, in fact our costumes were so good that people thought we worked at the RF, and one woman got rather upset when
careswen couldn't answer her question about where something was. We had one family ask if they could photograph us with their kids. We did, of course.3. Swimming pool or hot tub and why?
Hot tub, mostly because I'm a crap swimmer. It's hard to get me in either one because of the fact that I'm a fat cow and know it, so I'm loath do either.
4. What did you get as gifts at your most memorable birthday party?
I think my most memorable birthday party over-all was my 40th, and while there were neat gifts (mostly involving books and beer), it was the company of my friends that made it memorable.
5. What's your favorite board game?
I've only gotten to play it once, but Arkham Horror seriously rocks!
6. How would you skin a cat?
Are we taking furry cat? Because I wouldn't, since I love them so much (though having grown up on a farm, I do know how).
If we are talking about catfish (sometimes know in the South simply as cat) then the best way I've found is to cut off the head and use a pair of sharp nosed pliers.
But you might be talking about gymnastics, in which case it would involve passing the feet and legs between the arms while hanging by the hands from a horizontal bar. Though at my size, that would look pretty ludicrous.
7. Who would you most like to see freed from prison?
I am deeply interested in this case: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Memphis_3
Answers: Part 7
May. 2nd, 2008 08:24 amQuestions from the original post here. Feel free to go ask your own questions!
ken_schneyer asks:
1. What do you think of The Time Traveler's Wife?
I'm about to lose some Spec Fic street cred here, but, I still haven't read this book! It's on my list, but it may be awhile before I get to it.
2. When did you last get so sucked into a story you were reading that you completely forgot to notice the technique?
Go here: http://www.strangehorizons.com/2006/20060410/terrifying-f.shtml
3. LeGuin or Haldeman, and why?
Ack! I suppose I lean a little toward LeGuin because I love several of her short pieces, though I think Haldeman is the better Spec Fic poet. I think they both have books that I can read again and again.
4. What did you keep?
The thing I needed most.
5. What's your favorite alternate history story?
Though I have to give serious nods to Dick's The Man in the High Castle and Ford's The Dragon Waiting: A Masque of History, I do love me some Roger Zelazny, so for me it's Roadmarks.
6. How would you resolve the Michigan-Florida-Obama-Clinton-delegate-indecision conundrum?
I dislike the idea of disenfranchising the voters of these states because their stupid state officials couldn't get their act together. I think the states should be allowed to caucus, which is cheaper to organize than an actual primary. I also think the Secretary of State or whoever is ultimately in charge of elections in those two states should be taken out and publicly flogged.
7. Who would you most like to recall from the dead and unleash on our unsuspecting world?
This is going to sound really strange coming from me, since I fell out with organized religion of any type years ago, and while I'm still a very spiritual person in private, I don't much care for or need whatever it is any group is selling.
So, if he really did live and walk the earth, I'd like to recall Jesus Christ, mostly because I'd like to invite him over for a cup of coffee and discussion concerning That Book and his Dad's earthly flock.
ken_schneyer asks:1. What do you think of The Time Traveler's Wife?
I'm about to lose some Spec Fic street cred here, but, I still haven't read this book! It's on my list, but it may be awhile before I get to it.
2. When did you last get so sucked into a story you were reading that you completely forgot to notice the technique?
Go here: http://www.strangehorizons.com/2006/20060410/terrifying-f.shtml
3. LeGuin or Haldeman, and why?
Ack! I suppose I lean a little toward LeGuin because I love several of her short pieces, though I think Haldeman is the better Spec Fic poet. I think they both have books that I can read again and again.
4. What did you keep?
The thing I needed most.
5. What's your favorite alternate history story?
Though I have to give serious nods to Dick's The Man in the High Castle and Ford's The Dragon Waiting: A Masque of History, I do love me some Roger Zelazny, so for me it's Roadmarks.
6. How would you resolve the Michigan-Florida-Obama-Clinton-delegate-indecision conundrum?
I dislike the idea of disenfranchising the voters of these states because their stupid state officials couldn't get their act together. I think the states should be allowed to caucus, which is cheaper to organize than an actual primary. I also think the Secretary of State or whoever is ultimately in charge of elections in those two states should be taken out and publicly flogged.
7. Who would you most like to recall from the dead and unleash on our unsuspecting world?
This is going to sound really strange coming from me, since I fell out with organized religion of any type years ago, and while I'm still a very spiritual person in private, I don't much care for or need whatever it is any group is selling.
So, if he really did live and walk the earth, I'd like to recall Jesus Christ, mostly because I'd like to invite him over for a cup of coffee and discussion concerning That Book and his Dad's earthly flock.
Answers: Part 7
May. 2nd, 2008 08:24 amQuestions from the original post here. Feel free to go ask your own questions!
ken_schneyer asks:
1. What do you think of The Time Traveler's Wife?
I'm about to lose some Spec Fic street cred here, but, I still haven't read this book! It's on my list, but it may be awhile before I get to it.
2. When did you last get so sucked into a story you were reading that you completely forgot to notice the technique?
Go here: http://www.strangehorizons.com/2006/20060410/terrifying-f.shtml
3. LeGuin or Haldeman, and why?
Ack! I suppose I lean a little toward LeGuin because I love several of her short pieces, though I think Haldeman is the better Spec Fic poet. I think they both have books that I can read again and again.
4. What did you keep?
The thing I needed most.
5. What's your favorite alternate history story?
Though I have to give serious nods to Dick's The Man in the High Castle and Ford's The Dragon Waiting: A Masque of History, I do love me some Roger Zelazny, so for me it's Roadmarks.
6. How would you resolve the Michigan-Florida-Obama-Clinton-delegate-indecision conundrum?
I dislike the idea of disenfranchising the voters of these states because their stupid state officials couldn't get their act together. I think the states should be allowed to caucus, which is cheaper to organize than an actual primary. I also think the Secretary of State or whoever is ultimately in charge of elections in those two states should be taken out and publicly flogged.
7. Who would you most like to recall from the dead and unleash on our unsuspecting world?
This is going to sound really strange coming from me, since I fell out with organized religion of any type years ago, and while I'm still a very spiritual person in private, I don't much care for or need whatever it is any group is selling.
So, if he really did live and walk the earth, I'd like to recall Jesus Christ, mostly because I'd like to invite him over for a cup of coffee and discussion concerning That Book and his Dad's earthly flock.
ken_schneyer asks:1. What do you think of The Time Traveler's Wife?
I'm about to lose some Spec Fic street cred here, but, I still haven't read this book! It's on my list, but it may be awhile before I get to it.
2. When did you last get so sucked into a story you were reading that you completely forgot to notice the technique?
Go here: http://www.strangehorizons.com/2006/20060410/terrifying-f.shtml
3. LeGuin or Haldeman, and why?
Ack! I suppose I lean a little toward LeGuin because I love several of her short pieces, though I think Haldeman is the better Spec Fic poet. I think they both have books that I can read again and again.
4. What did you keep?
The thing I needed most.
5. What's your favorite alternate history story?
Though I have to give serious nods to Dick's The Man in the High Castle and Ford's The Dragon Waiting: A Masque of History, I do love me some Roger Zelazny, so for me it's Roadmarks.
6. How would you resolve the Michigan-Florida-Obama-Clinton-delegate-indecision conundrum?
I dislike the idea of disenfranchising the voters of these states because their stupid state officials couldn't get their act together. I think the states should be allowed to caucus, which is cheaper to organize than an actual primary. I also think the Secretary of State or whoever is ultimately in charge of elections in those two states should be taken out and publicly flogged.
7. Who would you most like to recall from the dead and unleash on our unsuspecting world?
This is going to sound really strange coming from me, since I fell out with organized religion of any type years ago, and while I'm still a very spiritual person in private, I don't much care for or need whatever it is any group is selling.
So, if he really did live and walk the earth, I'd like to recall Jesus Christ, mostly because I'd like to invite him over for a cup of coffee and discussion concerning That Book and his Dad's earthly flock.
Answers: Part 6
May. 1st, 2008 04:45 pmQuestions from the original post here. Feel free to go ask your own questions!
will_couvillier asks:
1. What do you think of SETI?
I'm all for listening to the heavens in search of someone else out there. I do worry that one day they're going to show up, kick our asses, and use us for slave labor, but...
2. When did you last visit Louisiana?
In 1996 or 1997, I can't remember the exact year. My wife was still in college at the University of Oklahoma, and we went with a group to study voodoo in New Orleans, sponsored by the Presbyterian Church through the University's United Ministry Center. The Reverend Becky Hebert ran the center and was a Louisiana native. We stayed for a week in a hostel, and had a great time exploring New Orleans.
I'll never forget the look on people's faces when we stopped at this little roadside greasy spoon and a catfish head floated up from someone's bowl of gumbo. The Reverend Hebert looked at it and said to the person, "That's the difference between city gumbo and good gumbo, you know."
3. Flourescent or incandescent, and why?
You know, I can't really tell any difference because of my lousy photoreceptors. I'm going to make the switch to fluorescent because they are more cost effective.
4. What did you do with your childhood baseball card collection?
Sigh. I sold it at a yard sale. I had a '56 Mantle, Bench and Ryan rookie cards. If I'd held on for a few more years...
Shrug. Such is life, and those cards brought me a lot of joy as a kid.
5. What's your favorite herb?
I loves me some oregano!
6. How would you feel about autographs through the mail?
Dude, if someone wants my autograph, and they're willing to pay for the postage both directions, I'll happily sign!
7. Who would you most like to be the boss of for a day?
All of you. My first order as boss of you all would be: "Everyone take the day off, with pay."
will_couvillier asks:1. What do you think of SETI?
I'm all for listening to the heavens in search of someone else out there. I do worry that one day they're going to show up, kick our asses, and use us for slave labor, but...
2. When did you last visit Louisiana?
In 1996 or 1997, I can't remember the exact year. My wife was still in college at the University of Oklahoma, and we went with a group to study voodoo in New Orleans, sponsored by the Presbyterian Church through the University's United Ministry Center. The Reverend Becky Hebert ran the center and was a Louisiana native. We stayed for a week in a hostel, and had a great time exploring New Orleans.
I'll never forget the look on people's faces when we stopped at this little roadside greasy spoon and a catfish head floated up from someone's bowl of gumbo. The Reverend Hebert looked at it and said to the person, "That's the difference between city gumbo and good gumbo, you know."
3. Flourescent or incandescent, and why?
You know, I can't really tell any difference because of my lousy photoreceptors. I'm going to make the switch to fluorescent because they are more cost effective.
4. What did you do with your childhood baseball card collection?
Sigh. I sold it at a yard sale. I had a '56 Mantle, Bench and Ryan rookie cards. If I'd held on for a few more years...
Shrug. Such is life, and those cards brought me a lot of joy as a kid.
5. What's your favorite herb?
I loves me some oregano!
6. How would you feel about autographs through the mail?
Dude, if someone wants my autograph, and they're willing to pay for the postage both directions, I'll happily sign!
7. Who would you most like to be the boss of for a day?
All of you. My first order as boss of you all would be: "Everyone take the day off, with pay."
Answers: Part 6
May. 1st, 2008 04:45 pmQuestions from the original post here. Feel free to go ask your own questions!
will_couvillier asks:
1. What do you think of SETI?
I'm all for listening to the heavens in search of someone else out there. I do worry that one day they're going to show up, kick our asses, and use us for slave labor, but...
2. When did you last visit Louisiana?
In 1996 or 1997, I can't remember the exact year. My wife was still in college at the University of Oklahoma, and we went with a group to study voodoo in New Orleans, sponsored by the Presbyterian Church through the University's United Ministry Center. The Reverend Becky Hebert ran the center and was a Louisiana native. We stayed for a week in a hostel, and had a great time exploring New Orleans.
I'll never forget the look on people's faces when we stopped at this little roadside greasy spoon and a catfish head floated up from someone's bowl of gumbo. The Reverend Hebert looked at it and said to the person, "That's the difference between city gumbo and good gumbo, you know."
3. Flourescent or incandescent, and why?
You know, I can't really tell any difference because of my lousy photoreceptors. I'm going to make the switch to fluorescent because they are more cost effective.
4. What did you do with your childhood baseball card collection?
Sigh. I sold it at a yard sale. I had a '56 Mantle, Bench and Ryan rookie cards. If I'd held on for a few more years...
Shrug. Such is life, and those cards brought me a lot of joy as a kid.
5. What's your favorite herb?
I loves me some oregano!
6. How would you feel about autographs through the mail?
Dude, if someone wants my autograph, and they're willing to pay for the postage both directions, I'll happily sign!
7. Who would you most like to be the boss of for a day?
All of you. My first order as boss of you all would be: "Everyone take the day off, with pay."
will_couvillier asks:1. What do you think of SETI?
I'm all for listening to the heavens in search of someone else out there. I do worry that one day they're going to show up, kick our asses, and use us for slave labor, but...
2. When did you last visit Louisiana?
In 1996 or 1997, I can't remember the exact year. My wife was still in college at the University of Oklahoma, and we went with a group to study voodoo in New Orleans, sponsored by the Presbyterian Church through the University's United Ministry Center. The Reverend Becky Hebert ran the center and was a Louisiana native. We stayed for a week in a hostel, and had a great time exploring New Orleans.
I'll never forget the look on people's faces when we stopped at this little roadside greasy spoon and a catfish head floated up from someone's bowl of gumbo. The Reverend Hebert looked at it and said to the person, "That's the difference between city gumbo and good gumbo, you know."
3. Flourescent or incandescent, and why?
You know, I can't really tell any difference because of my lousy photoreceptors. I'm going to make the switch to fluorescent because they are more cost effective.
4. What did you do with your childhood baseball card collection?
Sigh. I sold it at a yard sale. I had a '56 Mantle, Bench and Ryan rookie cards. If I'd held on for a few more years...
Shrug. Such is life, and those cards brought me a lot of joy as a kid.
5. What's your favorite herb?
I loves me some oregano!
6. How would you feel about autographs through the mail?
Dude, if someone wants my autograph, and they're willing to pay for the postage both directions, I'll happily sign!
7. Who would you most like to be the boss of for a day?
All of you. My first order as boss of you all would be: "Everyone take the day off, with pay."
Answers: Part 5
May. 1st, 2008 03:46 pmQuestions from the original post here. Feel free to go ask your own questions!
pentacon asks:
1. What do you think of polyamory?
I think that if a person or persons have enough love to give, if they go into it with their eyes open and are willing to communicate and to comprise and do all the hard work that will keep any type of relationship healthy and whole, then why not? I think if everyone involved is an adult, and willing, and really wants to, then why shouldn't they? I think really strong and loving families can be built this way.
Are there pitfalls and problems with polyamory? Sure. It's definitely not for everyone, and I think too many people who have no business being in a non-traditional relationship--because they lack the maturity (no matter their age), mental or emotional stability, or the kind of life- experience that can carry them though a tough time--get into polyamory for various wrong reasons, with unfortunate consequences.
He's the deal: I think consenting adults should be allowed to love each other however they want, with whomever they love, as long as they are all in agreement.
Because at the end of the day, isn't that what we really want, to love and be loved in return?
2. When did you last have a character get out of control?
When I was writing Last Car to Annwn Station, the character Jill kept trying to get me to write a hot sex scene with her and Mae. I managed to keep things under control in the final draft, but...
3. Star Wars or Star Trek and why?
Love them both and before Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, I would have said Star Wars, but I love me some DS9 for a lot of the same reasons I loved the original Star Wars trilogy.
It was dirty, grimy, the tech didn't always work, never mind save the day. The characters were flawed and human and didn't always like each other, but they did their duties and jobs and did them well. And despite all that, it still had a hopeful message. It was good stuff. So I guess Trek, but mostly because of DS9.
4. What did you do?
*Looks down at his shoes and kicks the dirt*
Nothin'.
5. What's your favorite material?
Flannel. I love the warmth and softness and general feel of flannel. Other people can have their satin and silk, but for me it's flannel.
6. How would you start the story of your life?
"While it would be years before the reasons for all that happened became clear, in the end it worked out all right."
7. Who would you most like to interview, living or dead?
Roger Zelazny. It is one of my great regrets that I never had the chance to meet him.
pentacon asks:1. What do you think of polyamory?
I think that if a person or persons have enough love to give, if they go into it with their eyes open and are willing to communicate and to comprise and do all the hard work that will keep any type of relationship healthy and whole, then why not? I think if everyone involved is an adult, and willing, and really wants to, then why shouldn't they? I think really strong and loving families can be built this way.
Are there pitfalls and problems with polyamory? Sure. It's definitely not for everyone, and I think too many people who have no business being in a non-traditional relationship--because they lack the maturity (no matter their age), mental or emotional stability, or the kind of life- experience that can carry them though a tough time--get into polyamory for various wrong reasons, with unfortunate consequences.
He's the deal: I think consenting adults should be allowed to love each other however they want, with whomever they love, as long as they are all in agreement.
Because at the end of the day, isn't that what we really want, to love and be loved in return?
2. When did you last have a character get out of control?
When I was writing Last Car to Annwn Station, the character Jill kept trying to get me to write a hot sex scene with her and Mae. I managed to keep things under control in the final draft, but...
3. Star Wars or Star Trek and why?
Love them both and before Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, I would have said Star Wars, but I love me some DS9 for a lot of the same reasons I loved the original Star Wars trilogy.
It was dirty, grimy, the tech didn't always work, never mind save the day. The characters were flawed and human and didn't always like each other, but they did their duties and jobs and did them well. And despite all that, it still had a hopeful message. It was good stuff. So I guess Trek, but mostly because of DS9.
4. What did you do?
*Looks down at his shoes and kicks the dirt*
Nothin'.
5. What's your favorite material?
Flannel. I love the warmth and softness and general feel of flannel. Other people can have their satin and silk, but for me it's flannel.
6. How would you start the story of your life?
"While it would be years before the reasons for all that happened became clear, in the end it worked out all right."
7. Who would you most like to interview, living or dead?
Roger Zelazny. It is one of my great regrets that I never had the chance to meet him.
Answers: Part 5
May. 1st, 2008 03:46 pmQuestions from the original post here. Feel free to go ask your own questions!
pentacon asks:
1. What do you think of polyamory?
I think that if a person or persons have enough love to give, if they go into it with their eyes open and are willing to communicate and to comprise and do all the hard work that will keep any type of relationship healthy and whole, then why not? I think if everyone involved is an adult, and willing, and really wants to, then why shouldn't they? I think really strong and loving families can be built this way.
Are there pitfalls and problems with polyamory? Sure. It's definitely not for everyone, and I think too many people who have no business being in a non-traditional relationship--because they lack the maturity (no matter their age), mental or emotional stability, or the kind of life- experience that can carry them though a tough time--get into polyamory for various wrong reasons, with unfortunate consequences.
He's the deal: I think consenting adults should be allowed to love each other however they want, with whomever they love, as long as they are all in agreement.
Because at the end of the day, isn't that what we really want, to love and be loved in return?
2. When did you last have a character get out of control?
When I was writing Last Car to Annwn Station, the character Jill kept trying to get me to write a hot sex scene with her and Mae. I managed to keep things under control in the final draft, but...
3. Star Wars or Star Trek and why?
Love them both and before Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, I would have said Star Wars, but I love me some DS9 for a lot of the same reasons I loved the original Star Wars trilogy.
It was dirty, grimy, the tech didn't always work, never mind save the day. The characters were flawed and human and didn't always like each other, but they did their duties and jobs and did them well. And despite all that, it still had a hopeful message. It was good stuff. So I guess Trek, but mostly because of DS9.
4. What did you do?
*Looks down at his shoes and kicks the dirt*
Nothin'.
5. What's your favorite material?
Flannel. I love the warmth and softness and general feel of flannel. Other people can have their satin and silk, but for me it's flannel.
6. How would you start the story of your life?
"While it would be years before the reasons for all that happened became clear, in the end it worked out all right."
7. Who would you most like to interview, living or dead?
Roger Zelazny. It is one of my great regrets that I never had the chance to meet him.
pentacon asks:1. What do you think of polyamory?
I think that if a person or persons have enough love to give, if they go into it with their eyes open and are willing to communicate and to comprise and do all the hard work that will keep any type of relationship healthy and whole, then why not? I think if everyone involved is an adult, and willing, and really wants to, then why shouldn't they? I think really strong and loving families can be built this way.
Are there pitfalls and problems with polyamory? Sure. It's definitely not for everyone, and I think too many people who have no business being in a non-traditional relationship--because they lack the maturity (no matter their age), mental or emotional stability, or the kind of life- experience that can carry them though a tough time--get into polyamory for various wrong reasons, with unfortunate consequences.
He's the deal: I think consenting adults should be allowed to love each other however they want, with whomever they love, as long as they are all in agreement.
Because at the end of the day, isn't that what we really want, to love and be loved in return?
2. When did you last have a character get out of control?
When I was writing Last Car to Annwn Station, the character Jill kept trying to get me to write a hot sex scene with her and Mae. I managed to keep things under control in the final draft, but...
3. Star Wars or Star Trek and why?
Love them both and before Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, I would have said Star Wars, but I love me some DS9 for a lot of the same reasons I loved the original Star Wars trilogy.
It was dirty, grimy, the tech didn't always work, never mind save the day. The characters were flawed and human and didn't always like each other, but they did their duties and jobs and did them well. And despite all that, it still had a hopeful message. It was good stuff. So I guess Trek, but mostly because of DS9.
4. What did you do?
*Looks down at his shoes and kicks the dirt*
Nothin'.
5. What's your favorite material?
Flannel. I love the warmth and softness and general feel of flannel. Other people can have their satin and silk, but for me it's flannel.
6. How would you start the story of your life?
"While it would be years before the reasons for all that happened became clear, in the end it worked out all right."
7. Who would you most like to interview, living or dead?
Roger Zelazny. It is one of my great regrets that I never had the chance to meet him.
