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October 31, 2007
A Cautionary Tale for Writers
I came across this in my morning surfing, and it was so great I had to blog about it. It's a forum post at Ray Gun Revival that contains a cautionary tale for writers. Seriously, if you're a writer (or an editor), stop by and give it a read. It’s funny yet so true.
While you're at RGR, you might also want to check out their interview with Firefly's Kaylee, Jewel Staite. Very cool.
Posted by Selena at 08:22 AM | Comments (0)
October 30, 2007
DKA: "At the Stroke of Midnight" by Jeremy Billingsley
To close out the October issue, here is a ghost story:
"At the Stroke of Midnight"
by Jeremy Billingsley
Tease:
Pastor Wallace has been asked to do something unorthodox. He's been asked to sleep in a reputed haunted house. But what he finds in there is more than just myth, and it will take all of his faith to overcome what he discovers at the stroke of midnight.
Posted by Selena at 07:43 AM | Comments (0)
October 27, 2007
Bad Day
My beloved cat Charlie has taken a turn for the worse. That's all I can bear to say right now.
(For more on my sick kitty see these two posts:
Sep 29, 2007
Sep 25,2007)
Posted by Selena at 07:39 PM | Comments (2)
DKA: "Separado" by John Kuhn (First Place)
This update is the first place winner from our recent poetry contest:
"Separado"
by John Kuhn
First Place, 2007 Poetry Contest
Tease:
Thirst...Dream...To die...This vessel...
Posted by Selena at 07:42 AM | Comments (0)
October 26, 2007
"Gifted" Published
My story "Gifted" is now available at Residential Aliens.
Stop by and check it out.
Posted by Selena at 05:04 PM | Comments (0)
October 24, 2007
Another Yes
I just had another story accepted. This one is called "Gifted" and is scheduled to appear in Residential Aliens in November.
Residential Aliens is a market that I recommend submitting to. The response time is quick. (I love that!) And the editor has been great to work with. He requested revision, gave great feedback, and even made helpful suggestions. His feedback and editing definitely improved the story. (Thanks, Lyn!)
Stop by Residential Aliens and check it out. They've also got a new anthology out. I already added to my "buy" list. You should too.
Posted by Selena at 05:18 PM | Comments (0)
October 23, 2007
Guardian Angels On Duty
Well, I got my break. Just yesterday I was wondering "Maybe tomorrow I can catch a break." And then today, I got it—a stroke of good luck so big that it could only be divine intervention.
Every now and then something happens—or, more often, doesn't happen—and it's obvious that guardian angels are protecting me and mine. Today is one of those days.
So, here I am to say:
Praise God for those moments of grace when He takes our mistakes and spares us from them.
Thank you, Lord. You are so good to me.
Posted by Selena at 10:12 AM | Comments (0)
DKA: "Sky Vendor" by Holly Dworken Cooley (2nd Place)
Next up is the second place winner from our recent poetry contest:
"Sky Vendor"
by Holly Dworken Cooley
Second Place, 2007 Poetry Contest
"What happens when no one buys the bits of sky you're selling?"
Posted by Selena at 07:41 AM | Comments (0)
October 22, 2007
Today's Song: "itsalwaysomething"
The song that I keep listening to today is Rick Springfield's "itsalwaysomething."
(Of course, the editor and proofer in me want it to be "It's Always Something.")
Here are some sample lyrics:
"I've been good at snatching defeat from the
jaws of victory
Anytime I stopped to smell the roses they
drew blood from me
Do you know what I mean?
You never ever get away clean
Oh but it's alright,
Yeah, touchdown, turn around, flag on the play
It's always something, you know it is, it's always something
It's always something, everyday, It's always something"
Maybe tomorrow I can catch a break. ;)
Posted by Selena at 07:56 PM | Comments (0)
October 20, 2007
"Live Out the String"
I just watched Marc Cohn on "Ellen". (That, my friends, is the magic of TiVo!) He talked about getting shot a couple years ago, then performed a new song: "Live Out the String." (What a great phrase – "Live out the string.") The performance was so good that I went straight to my iTunes and added the song to my shopping cart.
If I had the money, I'd just go ahead and buy the whole CD.
Cohn's song "Walking in Memphis" is one of my all-time favorites. And this new CD sounds good to me so far.
Posted by Selena at 12:42 PM | Comments (0)
DKA: "Atlantis" by Karen A. Romanko
For your weekend reading pleasure, we have another of the winners from our recent poetry contest:
"Atlantis"
by Karen A. Romanko
Honorable Mention, 2007 Poetry Contest
Tease:
The truth behind the legend...
Posted by Selena at 08:22 AM | Comments (0)
October 19, 2007
Super Shrew
I've been meaning to blog about how great The Taming of the Shrew was in DC, but the week just got away from me.
I thoroughly enjoyed the show. It's a gorgeous production. Plus it's funny, as most productions of Shrew are. This production is even a bit romantic, which you don't always get with this difficult play. If you have a chance to see the show, I encourage you to do so. You aren't likely to get another opportunity to see a Shrew this good.
There are so many great moments in this production; I couldn't begin to list them all. There is one in fact that I won't detail because it would spoil the surprise. All I will say is that the text just indicates Petruchio is inappropriately dressed when he arrives for his wedding. It doesn't say what he is wearing, and it didn't prepare me for what Taichman and company did with the opportunity.
My favorite moment, however, is when Petruchio and Kate first meet. Kate walks by Petruchio and she literally slows down and turns back to have another look. It's a beautiful, romantic moment. I only wish I could have been watching Petruchio at the same time so I could have seen if he was equally smitten. It's a real "love at first sight" moment. I always thought the play needed that to make all that comes later believable.
The chemistry between Petruchio and Kate is palpable, which is another element I consider critical to the success of a production of Shrew. Plus, Christopher Innvar somehow makes Petruchio likeable, despite the way Petruchio bullies and manhandles Kate. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Innvar is so handsome.
Still, Petruchio manhandles Kate a little too much for tastes. But that's part of the play, and it's tough to get around. In this production, I found it a little odd to watch Petruchio best Kate physically because Charlayne Woodard, who plays Kate, has arm muscles like a bodybuilder. It kept reminding me of that scene in "What's Love Got to Do with It" where Ike is roughing up Tina, and Angela Bassett's muscular arms are shown off by her sleeveless top, and all I could think is "She could totally beat the daylights out of him! Why doesn't she?" Likewise, in this Shrew it was a little hard for me to believe that Petruchio could so easily out-brawl Kate. I kept waiting for her to punch him really hard right in the face. It might not knock him out, 'cause Petruchio's a big guy, but it would certainly stun him long enough for Kate to run away. But she doesn't, of course. I guess I could refer to my "favorite moment" above for a hint about why.
Kate's speech at the end is probably the toughest in the play. It's a real problem—especially for a female, maybe even feminist, director. But Taichman pulls it off.
I especially enjoyed how Petruchio handed Kate the money after winning the bet. It's a choice I recommended back in college when I wrote a paper on how to produce a feminist Shrew. I remember my professor called the choice "problematic." Whatever. I still believe the gesture is crucial to re-establishing balance between Kate and Petruchio, and showing that despite public appearances to the contrary they are equal partners in the game. Certainly, I'm not laying claim to the idea. I'm probably not even the first one who suggested it. But it was still lovely that this successful director, who I have come to admire so much, made one of the same choices I would have made. It was a little moment of personal validation for me.
This "Taming of the Shrew" is worth flying a thousand miles for. I'm certainly glad I made the trip. If I was still in DC, I'd go see it again.
Posted by Selena at 11:52 PM | Comments (0)
Good Writing Day
It's been a good writing day. I worked on two stories and sent them out. That brings my total subs pending to an improved, but still lame, three. I even worked on revising a chapter of "Vatral" before forwarding it to my crit group to see what they say.
That's a good day.
Posted by Selena at 02:46 PM | Comments (0)
October 18, 2007
NaNo or Not
I had been going back and forth about whether to sign up for this year's NaNo, and in a moment of hopefulness I signed up. I regretted it almost immediately.
Don't get me wrong, I loved participating in National Novel Writing Month both times I've done it (2005 and 2006) and I think it is great writing practice. All things being equal, I would do it again. But all things aren't equal. The irony is that my schedule is more crowded with responsibilities now than when I was working a full-time, paid job.
I just don't think I have the time and energy to complete NaNo this year, which is why I had been thinking of not participating. But then I went and signed up anyway. I'm such a dope.
So, now I have to decide whether to attempt it or just accept my failure now.
If only I could learn to function without sleep…
Posted by Selena at 09:23 AM | Comments (0)
You Can't Always Get What You Want
Today's quote is from a song that has been rattling around in my head. (I finally just had to buy it from iTunes so I can listen to it over and over.)
"You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes
You just might find
You get what you need."
Yeah, well, I'm still waiting for that second part to happen. ;)
Posted by Selena at 08:25 AM | Comments (0)
October 16, 2007
"Diversity" Reprinted at Haruah
My Everyday Faith column entitled "Diversity" has been reprinted at Haruah.
Posted by Selena at 04:58 PM | Comments (0)
DKA: "Black Hole" by C.K. Deatherage (HM)
Next up is the second of the Honorable Mentions from our recent poetry contest. Enjoy!
"Black Hole"
by C.K. Deatherage
Honorable Mention, 2007 Poetry Contest
Tease:
Is there a place where God is not?
Posted by Selena at 09:15 AM | Comments (0)
October 15, 2007
Story Accepted
Yesterday I got a "yes" in my email. That's always a great moment. ;)
Look for my story "Designed Development" in the next issue of "Chaos Theory: Tales Askew."
It should be available in a couple weeks or so.
Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 10:00 AM | Comments (0)
October 12, 2007
DKA: "Paradise" by Jenny Schwartz
This update is the first of the winning poems from our recent contest.
"Paradise"
by Jenny Schwartz
Honorable Mention, 2007 Poetry Contest
Tease:
Heaven is mirrored...
Posted by Selena at 12:29 PM | Comments (0)
October 09, 2007
Rejection Arrives with Muse In Tow
A funny thing happened today: I had a submission declined but I am thrilled because the rejection notice arrived with my long-absent muse in tow. Huh. Go figure.
The rejection included some feedback. (It's always nice when that happens. A big "Thank you" to all the editors who take the time to provide comments with their declines.) One editor noted the info-dump at the beginning on the story. I agreed with his criticisms. In fact, I had struggled with the opening before submitting. I had improved it, but I kind of knew it still wasn't right. I just couldn't figure out how to fix it. But then today's decline showed up in my mail and within minutes I knew what to do.
I can't remember the last time I raced to my laptop to work on a story. It's been a while. It feels great to be back in the zone.
Posted by Selena at 07:57 PM | Comments (0)
DKA: "Crafting Sentiment in a Magical Land" by Marshall Payne
Next up is a fun, fantastical story about the origins of a well-known holiday.
"Crafting Sentiment in a Magical Land"
by Marshall Payne
Tease:
Seasoned diplomat Baron Veontes knew that his world had gone awry, and that love needed to be reintroduced to the magical land of Aquaveritie where evil had gained a foothold. And an old Earth custom called Valentine's Day just might be the thing to soften the hearts of some men and help them get in touch with their feminine side.
Posted by Selena at 09:20 AM | Comments (0)
October 06, 2007
DKA: "Jeannies" by Ellie Tupper
To begin our October issue, we have a story set in Washington, DC and told from the point of view of an immigrant.
This is one of my favorite stories that we have published at DKA. The setting is so real it made me homesick.
"Jeannies"
by Ellie Tupper
Tease:
America holds terror and surprises for a homesick young immigrant.
Posted by Selena at 09:11 AM | Comments (0)
October 05, 2007
More Articles on "Shrew"
The more I hear about Taichman's production of "The Taming of the Shrew," the more I am looking forward to seeing it. (Won't be long now. Yeah!)
Here are some interesting articles about the show:
A 'Shrew' That's Tamed But Wildly Entertaining
I think it's interesting that Marks mentions the importance of casting. I always thought the casting of Kate and Petruchio is particularly critical to this play's success. I think that to make the show work, you've got to have obvious chemistry between those two characters.
Of course, I also believed that to make the show work you couldn't set it in modern times. I figured that the play only really made sense in a strongly patriarchal society and our modern society just isn't anymore. (Thank goodness.) But it sounds like maybe Ms. Taichman and crew are proving me wrong.
In the Upcoming 'Shrew,' Love Is for Redder or for Worse"
"Lipstick-red stage." If the words don't grab your attention, check out the photo. Also, I can't remember ever hearing the phrase "drop-dead sexy" used in reference to "Shrew" before. Love that.
'Taming' a Tough Role
It’s fascinating to me that Charlayne Woodard's initial response to the idea of playing Kate was "No." I'm glad she changed her mind.
All three articles are from The Washington Post because that's where I get my WDC news. :) Actually, even though I no longer live in DC, The Washington Post is still my main news source. Old habits die hard, I guess.
Posted by Selena at 10:29 PM | Comments (0)
October 01, 2007
Sunset Sky
Yesterday I went for a walk and my reward was this magnificent blue and pink sky, complete with feathery, white clouds.
Posted by Selena at 11:19 PM | Comments (0)
DKA's September Print Edition Now Available!
The print edition for DKA's September issue is now available for sale through Lulu.com.
Just $6.49 (+ shipping)
This issue includes:
"Hymn" by Kristin Naff
"The Shepherd of Planets" by Rod M. Santos
"Benediction" by Victoria Dixon
"Blood Sky" by Geoffrey Reiter
"Incident on Pennsylvania Avenue" by John M. Whalen
"Guardian Angels Online" by Jane Lebak
Enjoy!
Posted by Selena at 09:37 AM | Comments (0)