Tag Archives: Around the Web

Around the Web

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It’s been a while since I did an “Around the Web” post, so I thought I should catch up.

In the news this week, the biggest thing is the protests in Turkey. Huge protests, with thousands of people marching against the police. There are amazing pictures coming out of Turkey, and a lot of chatter on Reddit from people who are actually there, and what is going on.

I hope they make some headway…

Now, for the rest of the news.

Hugh Howie talks about indie authors who make a living writing.

Hugh Howie also plugged an Anne Rice video on “how to be a writer.” Hint: Go WRITE!

Neil Gaiman talks about the book that made him.

Neil Gaiman’s speach, “Make Good Art”, is now in a book form.

George R.R. Martin wrote 250k words for The World of Ice and Fire.

An Anne McCaffery tribute book will be out soon.

John Green claims Penguin to be the most effective publishing house for YA.

And non writing related…

An old video of a 7-11 at 2am from back in the 80’s. I forgot people use to smoke inside stores.

For a moment of levity, Tim Burton inspired Pokemon.

Someone did a minecraft world simulation, 1:1500 scale.

 

Around the Web

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Your semi regular dose of news from around the web.

The saga over Penguin exploiting authors continues. And now there is a class action lawsuit over unpaid royalties to go with it all.

On some lighter notes:

Some of the best known authors prove it’s never too late to start writing.

The Creative Penn discusses marketing and selling learned from some top selling indie authors.

Pets of favorite authors.

The SPP interviews CJ Lyons. (youtube)

 

Happy writing.

Around the Web

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The big news right now, or course, is the bombing in Boston. But I can’t add to the conversation on that except to say that I am glad the news is acknowledging that this is not just about us here in the states. It was an international marathon, one of several in the world. And while it was a sad tragedy, I hope that it is used to bring us closer together, not push us farther apart.

Now… some things from the writing side of life.

Amazon and Publishing Royalties (I love that Amazon is listening tot heir writers! Let’s hope they keep listening.)

27 Wacky Ways to Cure Writers Block (some interesting, and unusual ideas I’ve never come across before.)

Writers Club ultimate resource list…. Just.. ya, go look.

Interview with R.A. Salvatore at Comic Con

Perspectives…. Author vs Director

Simple advice from Neil Gaiman

Around the Web

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I’m sick today, so I’m only posting a small post while my brain is active enough to handle it. I’ve actually been sleeping on and off all day today.

Alright, the big news, right off the top:
Amazon buys Goodreads! Here is an article from Daily News and another from Amazon Press Release. What does it mean? Will they integrate reviews? Will they muck up social networks and ruin things like facebook? Time will tell.

Second, Bioshock Infinite is out, and I love this review done by Adam Sessler. Basically… video games are pushing the boundaries of story telling. I can’t wait to play this game and be a full part of the story.

Felicia Day did a great AMA on Reddit this week, and talks a bit about the future of Geek and Sundry, and her creative drive in general.

The Writers Knowledge Base offers a searchable index of articles about writing, creating, and what have you. I haven’t had much time to search around in it, but so far it looks interesting.

The Nerdist interviews Macklemore. They talk about the weirdness of fame, writers block, creativity, and doing what you love.

The Future of Storytelling, interviews with people at Comic Con.

On the home front, I’ve been putting together a playlist on YouTube of video’s about Overcoming Fear, from the likes of Charlie is so Cool Like, Hank Green, and Vi Hart. There are some wonderful videos and I hope they inspire you, too.

Around the Web

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The biggest news this last week or two has been about the Random House imprints, and their contracts.

John Scalzi had a lot to say about the matter, and about the subsequent changes put into the imprint contracts.

My thought on the matter is that if the publisher doesn’t give you a better deal than self publishing, then it isn’t in your best interest to do it, especially if you have to give them all of your rights to the piece of writing. After all, your the writer. You’re the one who should be making money off your work before anyone else.

And here is and article in defense of the royalty only contract, but take note. Royalty only does not mean giving up all rights, paying for things like printing, editing and storage out of your royalties, or losing control of your IP.

Please check Writers Beware for more information on sketchy issues with agents and publishers.

In other news:

Google Reader is shutting down. Here is a list of alternatives. So far, I like Feedly.

March 30 is INTERNATIONAL TABLETOP DAY! 

Body language cheat sheet for writers.

What if we put DRM on a chair? Well, I know what happens when we put DRM on SimCity.

Jim Butcher is putting out a steam punk series.

 

There’s been a lot more then this during the last week or so, but I think this is enogh for the day.

Around the Web

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A lot of things going on since the last time I posted one of these. A few articles, and several videos.

Jessica Blair, Author of 22 romance novels, is actually 89 year old war vet, Bill (Proof that pen names to hide your sex works both ways.)

Why the US internet is so slow and expensive (Vimeo)  (YouTube) This is important to anyone in the US. For writers and creative types who do a great volume of work online, it matters.

6 Publishing trends that will benefit readers and writers.

148 audio podcasts from Joanna Penn

4 ways to amplify your creativity.

Making your fantasy world more relate-able.

Secret anatomy of KDP select

Google+ communities for writers (Youtube) from Books and Beer

Ira Glass on Storytelling (Vimeo) (YouTube) (I might have posted this before, but I love it.)

Around the Web

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Tor Authors give tips on writing.

Yes, Virginia, You can be a Paid Author Too (which is a bit tongue in cheek, and NSFW language.)

11 ways you can help get your favorite author noticed, some of which are new-ish.

Google+ communities create networks for authors and publishers. (I’ve been saying for a while, Google+ people! Drop Facebook! Find me here.)

7 Worst Mistakes by Indie Authors (according to Joanna Penn, taken from her own experiences.)

Writers and Depression: An Interview with Psychotherapist and Author, Philip Kenney

And because I absolutely love this site, and think more people should use these: MOO stickers and business cards.

Around the Web

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It’s a new year, and the internet has been buzzing. Interviews, AMA’s, and some discussions.

Also, there was no new “Self Publishing Podcast” this week. Johnny tweeted that they had an extra super secret erotic writer who wished to remain anonymous  so we will hear her next week. Perhaps this means we’ll get two SPP’s? One audio, one youtube?

Around the Web

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I’m sure something else has happened to, but that’s what I have for you this week.