I'm going to go ahead and assume that most of you aren't fans of horse-racing, so trust me, I was skeptical too. When I opened up to the first page of the novel I was ready for a ton of description and waiting for the dialogue. I turned the page. The closest thing to dialogue in the whole novel was two lines long, but they both had the same speaker. I didn't like that, but then again, the novel is non-fiction.
The first three chapters or so were horrendous. Okay, you own cars and make more money than me... alright, you train horses... cool. Those were my thoughts. Hillenbrand first grabbed my attention by explaining all of the crazy things Jockeys did to stay in shape. Then my interest kind of went downhill. The story itself, in my opinion, was quite dull. However, Hillenbrand's writing made it worth while. Her ability to paint images in your head and force emotions upon you is quite amazing.
I couldn't care less about horse-racing, but Hillenbrand made Seabiscuit feel like a human being. After up and down and up and down in Seabiscuit's career I found myself wanting Seabiscuit to be cut a break. I'll let you find out what happens though :)
I believe the shining moment in Hillenbrand's writing was this paragraph: “The bell rang in Pollard's ears, and he felt Seabiscuit drop and push beneath him, hammering the track and powering forward. There was the rushing sound of seventy-five thousand voices and the tumbling motion of horses and the flight of wind and dirt and the airy unreal feeling of mass and gravity slipping away.” The emotions are rushing and you can feel yourself on the back of the horse. I loved it.
Though a skeptic at first, I now realize that Seabiscuit is more than a tale about a race-horse, it's a legendary tale about hope and perseverance. I'm glad I read it, but I will never read it again. If you don't like horse-racing you should still read it, but hang tight because the beginning of the story is going to be rough for you.
(Originally Written on August 31, 2011 at: http://dft.ba/-BSMeyers91 )
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Nature's Lament
With the water's edge, mother nature is receding. The world, once covered in life, struck by man. Spiraling in to darkness, the trees are bleeding, and mourning their brothers, who couldn't have ran. Trees fall in the forest, leaving no sound, with no one to hear them, almost like they're dreaming. Their roots whither and the fires burn all around. They have no voices, but they will continue screaming! And at the end of all the world's time, the eldest tree will stand tall and gaze upon the barren land, leaves falling, blending with nature's rhyme. The eldest tree will plant a seed, and the world will go on. ----------------------------------------- Written on August 22, 2011 by B.S. Meyers
(Original Post on August 22, 2011 at: http://dft.ba/-BSMeyers90 )
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Continuum
I've learned a lot about myself over the past two and a half years of writing. I've learned that my writing reminds people of Douglas Adams and of J.R.R. Tolkien. I've learned that I know how to write. Most importantly, I've learned that I can write a book!
After much thought and discussion, I've determined that my first novel, The Greatest Story Never Told, wasn't accomplishing my goals the way I wanted to accomplish them. That being said I've decided that my new course of action is to write (what was planned to be) my second series. Fortunately, it will be very easy to salvage some concepts, plot ideas and characters from my first novel and incorporate them into my new series.
Many writers would be disappointed and possibly discouraged after spending two and a half years writing a novel, only to discover that it wasn't working, but I look at it this way: I spent two and a half years developing characters, plots and a Universe. More importantly, I spent two and a half years developing my writing skills and my writing style. I'm ready to take on this new project and I'm extremely excited to write it.
Although this decision sets me back quite a bit it will be better for me in the long run. My journey will continue and I hope that you will continue to follow me on that journey. I'd like to thank my family, my friends, Melissa Foster, Aubrey Hansen, Richard Allen, Ms. Jennifer Case and each and every one of my twitter followers for their support. Without people like you there would be no need for writers.
(Original Post on August 14, 2011 at: http://dft.ba/-BSMeyers88 )
After much thought and discussion, I've determined that my first novel, The Greatest Story Never Told, wasn't accomplishing my goals the way I wanted to accomplish them. That being said I've decided that my new course of action is to write (what was planned to be) my second series. Fortunately, it will be very easy to salvage some concepts, plot ideas and characters from my first novel and incorporate them into my new series.
Many writers would be disappointed and possibly discouraged after spending two and a half years writing a novel, only to discover that it wasn't working, but I look at it this way: I spent two and a half years developing characters, plots and a Universe. More importantly, I spent two and a half years developing my writing skills and my writing style. I'm ready to take on this new project and I'm extremely excited to write it.
Although this decision sets me back quite a bit it will be better for me in the long run. My journey will continue and I hope that you will continue to follow me on that journey. I'd like to thank my family, my friends, Melissa Foster, Aubrey Hansen, Richard Allen, Ms. Jennifer Case and each and every one of my twitter followers for their support. Without people like you there would be no need for writers.
(Original Post on August 14, 2011 at: http://dft.ba/-BSMeyers88 )
Friday, August 12, 2011
Overplanning and Setting Projects Aside
Currently I find myself in a tight spot with my writing. Often times I've been known to be obsessive compulsive and I rarely under-do things. Because of this, I have rough plot lines and character ideas for over 20 novels planned out.
I have three series that I hope to eventually write. I'm writing the second book of the first series, but I'm a bit stuck there. For that reason I decided to write the first chapter of my third series (just for fun and to keep writing) on Wednesday. Yesterday I decided to write the first chapter of my second series.
My problem is that I feel like the second and third series' will work a lot better for me. What do you think I should do? Is it a bad idea to set my first series aside and pursue writing my second or third series first?
(Original Post on August 12, 2011 at: http://dft.ba/-BSMeyers87 )
I have three series that I hope to eventually write. I'm writing the second book of the first series, but I'm a bit stuck there. For that reason I decided to write the first chapter of my third series (just for fun and to keep writing) on Wednesday. Yesterday I decided to write the first chapter of my second series.
My problem is that I feel like the second and third series' will work a lot better for me. What do you think I should do? Is it a bad idea to set my first series aside and pursue writing my second or third series first?
(Original Post on August 12, 2011 at: http://dft.ba/-BSMeyers87 )
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Vacation
For the past two weeks I've been in Florida on the vacation of a lifetime. I went to Universal Studios, Sea World, Aquatica (Sea World's Water Park), and Disney World: The Magic Kingdom, The Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, Hollywood Studios, Typhoon Lagoon, Epcot and Downtown Disney! It was a blast!
One thing I learned over the past two weeks is that I LOVE writing. I did not write a single word in any of my books for two weeks! Now I'm home and I find another obstacle keeping me from writing: my dreadful summer assignments.
I will get back to writing!
(Original Post on August 10, 2011 at: http://dft.ba/-BSMeyers86 )
One thing I learned over the past two weeks is that I LOVE writing. I did not write a single word in any of my books for two weeks! Now I'm home and I find another obstacle keeping me from writing: my dreadful summer assignments.
I will get back to writing!
(Original Post on August 10, 2011 at: http://dft.ba/-BSMeyers86 )
Monday, July 25, 2011
My Twitter Top Ten Writers!
I'm heading out tomorrow for a two week vacation in Florida! This will mean very minimal Twitter and Blog interaction from me. That being said, I'm going to leave you with some of my favorite Tweeters so you can have some reading material while I'm gone! (I'm going to finally finish reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire!)
Melissa Foster: Melissa is an amazing author and an even better person! She will never hesitate to help someone in need. She's published two novels, Megan's Way and Chasing Amanda and won numerous awards for them. Megan's Way is even being turned into a movie as you read this! Follow her on Twitter, Facebook or her Blog!
Aubrey Hansen: Aubrey is a wonderfully creative and outgoing person. She's a screenwriter, an author and an editor (with some occasional poetry). She's very enthusiastic and welcomes her insanity. Her novella, Red Rain, is coming out in September so make sure you check it out! Follow her on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and on her Blog!
Richard Allen: Richard is fantastically funny and very witty! I am always delighted to see that he's mentioned me on Twitter because I know that no matter what he says, it will make my day! He's published two books in his "Rumbling Heart" Series, Rumbling Heart and Recorded Butterflies. Go check them out! Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and on his Blog!
Nicholas J. Ambrose: Nicholas is a wonderful science fiction author who has independently published three novels, Morris the Misfit Monster, Progenitor and What Happened on the Sanctity Architect. He has also co-written three novels. He runs a site called EverythingIndie that helps independent authors by providing editing and revising, creating cover art, formatting ebooks and critiquing. Follow him on Twitter and his Blog! Follow EverythingIndie on Twitter and visit the site here!
Tamworth Grice: Tamworth is a horror and suspense writer! Her novel, Listening to Ian Magick is available on Amazon! I have yet to read her work, but I'm sure it is fantastic! Follow her on Twitter and her Blog!
Abby Jones: Abby has two finished novels that are just waiting to be published! She's an Urban Fantasy writer and she's a wonderful person to chat with! Follow her on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook!
Ania Ahlborn: Ania is a deep south aficionado and she's an independent horror writer! Her debut novel, SEED, is available in ebook format. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook and her Blog, and remember "in the darkness, something's watching you."
S.M. Reine: Sara Reine has published two novels, Six Moon Summer and The 19 Dragons! Both are available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble! Follow her on Twitter, Facebook and her Blog!
Robbi Sommers Bryant: Robbi has published 4 novels, 6 bestselling books and 1 book of poetry! She's a delightful person and a great tweeter! Follow her on Twitter, Facebook and her Blog!
Rebecca Scarberry: Rebecca is an awesome tweeter who enjoys promoting authors! She is currently editing her debut novel and herding cats! Follow her on Twitter!
Here's three more writers that deserve to make the list just as much as the others! (All three of them went to school with me!)
Amanda Dedie: Amanda is working on her debut novel, Invincible, which you can read about here. She's a wonderful person who's crazy and enjoying it! Follow her on Twitter and her Blog!
Rebecca Snow: Rebecca is an aspiring author who is working on a couple of different writing projects. She also enjoys doing graphic design! Follow her on Twitter and her Blog!
Roxeanne Williams: Roxeanne is a fun-loving writer! She's a nerd and she's proud of it! Follow her on Twitter and her Blog!
(Original Post on July 25, 2011 at: http://dft.ba/-BSMeyers85 )
Melissa Foster: Melissa is an amazing author and an even better person! She will never hesitate to help someone in need. She's published two novels, Megan's Way and Chasing Amanda and won numerous awards for them. Megan's Way is even being turned into a movie as you read this! Follow her on Twitter, Facebook or her Blog!
Aubrey Hansen: Aubrey is a wonderfully creative and outgoing person. She's a screenwriter, an author and an editor (with some occasional poetry). She's very enthusiastic and welcomes her insanity. Her novella, Red Rain, is coming out in September so make sure you check it out! Follow her on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and on her Blog!
Richard Allen: Richard is fantastically funny and very witty! I am always delighted to see that he's mentioned me on Twitter because I know that no matter what he says, it will make my day! He's published two books in his "Rumbling Heart" Series, Rumbling Heart and Recorded Butterflies. Go check them out! Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and on his Blog!
Nicholas J. Ambrose: Nicholas is a wonderful science fiction author who has independently published three novels, Morris the Misfit Monster, Progenitor and What Happened on the Sanctity Architect. He has also co-written three novels. He runs a site called EverythingIndie that helps independent authors by providing editing and revising, creating cover art, formatting ebooks and critiquing. Follow him on Twitter and his Blog! Follow EverythingIndie on Twitter and visit the site here!
Tamworth Grice: Tamworth is a horror and suspense writer! Her novel, Listening to Ian Magick is available on Amazon! I have yet to read her work, but I'm sure it is fantastic! Follow her on Twitter and her Blog!
Abby Jones: Abby has two finished novels that are just waiting to be published! She's an Urban Fantasy writer and she's a wonderful person to chat with! Follow her on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook!
Ania Ahlborn: Ania is a deep south aficionado and she's an independent horror writer! Her debut novel, SEED, is available in ebook format. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook and her Blog, and remember "in the darkness, something's watching you."
S.M. Reine: Sara Reine has published two novels, Six Moon Summer and The 19 Dragons! Both are available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble! Follow her on Twitter, Facebook and her Blog!
Robbi Sommers Bryant: Robbi has published 4 novels, 6 bestselling books and 1 book of poetry! She's a delightful person and a great tweeter! Follow her on Twitter, Facebook and her Blog!
Rebecca Scarberry: Rebecca is an awesome tweeter who enjoys promoting authors! She is currently editing her debut novel and herding cats! Follow her on Twitter!
Here's three more writers that deserve to make the list just as much as the others! (All three of them went to school with me!)
Amanda Dedie: Amanda is working on her debut novel, Invincible, which you can read about here. She's a wonderful person who's crazy and enjoying it! Follow her on Twitter and her Blog!
Rebecca Snow: Rebecca is an aspiring author who is working on a couple of different writing projects. She also enjoys doing graphic design! Follow her on Twitter and her Blog!
Roxeanne Williams: Roxeanne is a fun-loving writer! She's a nerd and she's proud of it! Follow her on Twitter and her Blog!
(Original Post on July 25, 2011 at: http://dft.ba/-BSMeyers85 )
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Publishing and Scams
A friend of mine was contacted by a publishing company called "JustFiction! Edition" ( Link ). My friend had never heard of this company or contacted them beforehand. The stranger part... They sent her a Facebook message. Neither on her blog nor her twitter did she have a link to her Facebook page. Seem like a scam yet?
When reading through JustFiction's policy an alarm went off. They wanted you to sign over rights to epublishing, but were not offering a book contract. If there is no print contract, what is the need for a publisher? You can publish independently and sell your ebooks while holding all of the rights in your hand. Why have a middleman between you and your money?
Here's what Writer Beware had so say about JustFiction!: "I am getting so many emails about these solicitations! It's not a scam, but it is a ripoff--JustFiction is a branch of Verlag Dr. Mueller, a.k.a. Lambert Academic Publishing, an academic author mill that's notorious for cold-soliciting authors."
If you are contacted by a publishing company asking to publish your book. It sounds too good to be true. If they offer to do it for no money at all. It sounds too good to be true. If they contact you through an email or account that is not associated with your writing, it sounds too good to be true.
What's the moral of the story? If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.
YOU NEED TO DO YOUR RESEARCH! Check Writer Beware and Preditors & Editors. If they mention a publisher of agent that you've contacted or been contacted by, stay away from them.
(Original Post on July 19, 2011 at: http://dft.ba/-BSMeyers84 )
When reading through JustFiction's policy an alarm went off. They wanted you to sign over rights to epublishing, but were not offering a book contract. If there is no print contract, what is the need for a publisher? You can publish independently and sell your ebooks while holding all of the rights in your hand. Why have a middleman between you and your money?
Here's what Writer Beware had so say about JustFiction!: "I am getting so many emails about these solicitations! It's not a scam, but it is a ripoff--JustFiction is a branch of Verlag Dr. Mueller, a.k.a. Lambert Academic Publishing, an academic author mill that's notorious for cold-soliciting authors."
If you are contacted by a publishing company asking to publish your book. It sounds too good to be true. If they offer to do it for no money at all. It sounds too good to be true. If they contact you through an email or account that is not associated with your writing, it sounds too good to be true.
What's the moral of the story? If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.
YOU NEED TO DO YOUR RESEARCH! Check Writer Beware and Preditors & Editors. If they mention a publisher of agent that you've contacted or been contacted by, stay away from them.
(Original Post on July 19, 2011 at: http://dft.ba/-BSMeyers84 )
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