Tag Archives: Anthology

April and May in Review

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April was a challenging month to say the least. Had to use much time and energy to deal with some issues. May was a much better month, but very busy on the positive side.

Challenges

  • My insurance company billed incorrectly for an ER visit last year. This led to the hospital trying to bill me for the difference, and before I could get it resolved they sent it to a collections agency. Many phone calls, letters, and much stress later, it now seems to be resolved. It only took a month and a half.
  • A family member had a work challenge that continues. I can’t divulge much, but suffice it to say that it has taken time and stress to get it resolved.
  • We had a neighborhood issue that required phone calls and letters to resolve, and we’re still monitoring the situation.
  • Patty contracted and got over a bronchial infection.
  • We had to resolve a wireless network issue in May.
  • The sun was in my eyes!

Writing

Short Fiction

  • Halloween’s Child Redux continues slowly, now clocking in at 3,500 words or 14 pages.
  • Wrote a 30 word bio for AnthoCon.
  • Here’s the official cover reveal for Wicked Tales, an anthology that includes my short SF/Horror story, “Sat Down Inside Her.”

Wicked Tales Cover

Novels

  • The Tower (Paranormal Haunting/Woman in Jeopardy Crime Thriller) Now at 106 pages or 26,250 words. I’ve had to hunker back to move forward, requiring some fun research into Wing Chun Kung Fu as well as significant research into the nursing profession.
  • Year of the Demon (Conspiracy/Crime Thriller) I polish edited approximately twenty scenes, and I like how it’s all coming together. The actual editing is a tedious slog, however. This is the part I like the least. The only thing more tedious is the final proofread where I work thorough the book fixing typos and commas.

Non-Fiction

  • I began work on a non-fiction project that I may write under a pseudonym. I wrote 2,389 words or 9 pages.

Reading

  • Completed the Indy Author’s Pack.
  • Became a backer of Editor Rick Schober’s The Whole Shot: Interviews with Beat Poet Gregory Corso.
  • Purchased the Signed & Numbered Limited Edition novella (#18) of Baby’s Breath by Sydney Leigh.

Family

  • Called my Mom & Dad approx 1x per week.
  • Brought Patty to her dentist appointment and yearly physical.
  • Got haircuts.
  • Took care of Patty while she had a bronchial infection.
  • Visited my Mom & Dad in Webster for a Mother’s Day breakfast.
  • Spent a couple days at Mohegan Sun while my wife was in a seminar.
  • Made a 20th Wedding Anniversary trip to Kittery, ME. I figured some retail therapy was in order after dealing with me all these years.

Martial Arts

  • After Patty felt better we resumed the Filipino punching and kicking drills. We also worked in some basic boxing drills on focus mitts.
  • Purchased a new set of Hayabusa Ikusa focus mitts.
  • hayabusa_ikusa_focus_mitts
  • I practiced footwork drills.
  • Practiced sinawali stick drills.

Health

  • Lost 2 pounds of fat. I continue to move in the right direction, and now I’m at the lowest weight that I have been in years.
  • Resumed physical therapy leg exercises.
  • Worked with Tufts to resolve a billing issue.
  • Weened off of Protonix.

 

Financial

  • Leveraged taxes to a tax preparer.
  • Made tax payments.

Charity & Community Service

  • Relay for life.
  • Nepal Relief Efforts .

Cars

  • Went to the dealer for C service and to replace the driver’s side headlight on Patty’s car.
  • Washed my car including undercarriage.
  • Washed Patty’s car including undercarriage.

House

  • Spent a significant amount of time Spring cleaning our townhouse.
  • Cleaned and polished kitchen cabinets.
  • Fixed scuff on kitchen table with wood markers.
  • Fixed scuff on floor with wood markers.
  • Rearranged living room and reappropriated organizing furniture from other rooms to cut down on clutter.
  • Changed HVAC filter.
  • Cleaned foyer.
  • Pulled everything out of the spare room and cleaned.
  • Prepped HVAC Vents for summer.
  • Resolved neighborhood issues.

Fun

  • Julio’s liquors.
  • New York Deli in Westboro.
  • Researched trips for May.

May

  • We ate at Juniors NY Deli at Foxwoods and then went to see The Tenderloins/Tru TV Impractical Jokers at the Foxwoods Grand Theater. We had center balcony seats. Great seats and a great show.

Jokers

 

  • Visited the new Cabelas in Berlin, MA.
  • Went to Mohegan Sun with Patty. We stayed in a Deluxe King Room, ate at Summer Shack. Then while Patty was in her seminar I had the breakfast Buffet, then a Starbucks iced Cold Brew with soy milk. Then I played some video poker and quit while I was ahead. The rest of the day I used the room as my writing retreat. After Patty got out of the seminar we had dinner at the buffet then played video poker and slots. The next day found me at the buffet. After Patty finished her seminar we played some more video poker. I won $10.00 in slot play, turned it into $36.00 and then cashed out. Haha! A win is a win! Then we poked around Brookstone, avoiding the sales girl. Another round of Starbucks and we were homeward bound.

Mohegan Writing Retreat 1

 

Mohegan Writing Retreat 2

  • Stayed overnight at the Coachman Inn in Kittery, ME. Shopped at the outlets and then had a nice dinner at Weathervane. The Inn provided breakfast the next morning. Then we shopped more and went to Kittery Trading Post. Back to Weathervane for lunch, and then some Starbucks Cold Brew to fortify us as we fought the Memorial Day traffic home.

Movies

Ender’s Game ** 1/2 I found this movie fun but it lacked an indefinable something.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes ** After all the hype surrounding this film, I was left disappointed. I found it vapid and cliche.

Personal Development

  • To get myself back on track I began listening to the Anthony Robbins audio program Get the Edge again.
  • Completed the goal setting workshop to fine tune my life’s direction.

March in Review

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The momentum continues… I guess this is turning into a newsletter of my life. I hope it’s inspiring you to keep a list of your challenges and accomplishments throughout the year. I promise you that goal setting will change your life.

Writing

Short fiction

  • I signed the contract for inclusion in the 3rd annual New England Horror Writers anthology. You’ll be able to find my horror science fiction story “Sat Down Inside Her” in that collection this summer.
  • Halloween’s Child Redux–the reimagining of this horror thriller short story has been slow going, but I’m already 3,500 words in. That’s 500 words over the original word count. I’m thinking this one could end up at 6k+ by the time it’s complete. A new title will, of course, go with this new version.
  • I also worked on the reimagining of another short story (I never list short story titles until they sell. This way editors won’t have any way of knowing how long my story has been in circulation once it lands in their slush pile. I’m tricky like that). I had already completed the new version of the story, but wasn’t happy with the ending. I found a way to strengthen the conclusion, but I have no idea where this will find a home.
  • I began reading the new issue of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction with an eye toward submission. We’ll see if I get any ideas.

Novels

  • Year of the Demon (Conspiracy/Crime Thriller): I’m slogging through the edits on this 90,000 word novel. I need to spend more time on this polish edit, and then go onto the next phase of the process.
  • The Tower (Paranormal Haunting/Woman in Jeopardy Crime Thriller): I’m now just under 25,000 words, approximately 97 pages.
  • Proxy Mate (Dystopian SF): I ended up putting this novella on hold this month. We’ll have to see what next month brings. I still feel pretty good about this one.

Reading

  • I finished The Vanishing Magic of Snow by Reb MacRath and deemed it a MacRathian Masterpiece. You can read my review here.
  • I’m still working through the Indie Author Power Pack. I’m 68% in and just finished Let’s get Digital.
  • I read and enjoyed Richard Chizmar’s The Box. The story is available to read through free pdf. Follow the link to give it a read.
  • My copy of Submerged (signed Limited Edition) by Tom Monteleone arrived. It’s a beautiful book. I hope there’s an e-version eventually. The book is so nice I’m afraid to crack it open.

Networking

  • I continued to keep up with my writer friends on social media.
  • I bought passes to Anthocon.
  • I made reservations at the hotel for the convention weekend.
  • I continued to work on editing a novella for a writer friend. I’ve been very slow getting to the edits.

Marketing

I researched using MailChimp for a mailing list. I read that mailing lists are the most underutilized marketing tool in a writer’s tool chest. I learned that to meet federal law I need to list my address in the signature of any emails I send out. This would mean getting a P.O box or mail drop if I want to ensure my privacy. I’m going to wait at this point, but I’ll keep it on the radar.

Family

  • Called my Mom & Dad twice a week on average this month.
  • Called my Aunt and wished her a happy birthday.
  • Donated to ONE Spirit in my sister’s name.
  • We got haircuts.
  • Put a St. Paddy’s Day card as a surprise in Patty’s lunch.
  • Sent a B-Day card to one of my nephews.

Martial Arts

  • Purchased Ron Balicki‘s Filipino boxing DVD set. I was really amazed at how much information he included in this set. I had the opportunity to watch a sample of the JKD video set and was very impressed with the production, the breadth of information, and the clarity of instruction on the DVD set. I decided to begin with Filipino Boxing, but I’m sure I’ll be picking up his 8 disk JKD instructors series in the near future.
  • Luckily, because of my 27+ years of experience in martial arts, along with a pervious teacher who integrated some Filipino martial arts and Jeet Kune Do Concepts into our training (he never mentioned it, but because of my research, I can see it now), and a small amount of Kali and  Bruce Lee’s “Original” JKD training from seminars, I’ve been able to incorporate the drills and concepts into our home training.
  • We worked Filipino boxing (punching and kicking drills) 2x a week. We also began working on a joint locking flow drill. Patty has found this curriculum the most interesting of any martial arts we’ve practiced.
  • I continued to practice Kali sinawali.
  • I continued to practice the chain punching/straight blasts  I learned from Sigung Taky Kuimura and his staff.
  • A Kali Guro invited us to stop up and train on a Tuesday night. It’s been a little difficult lately to make the time commitment, but it was very nice to be invited. Hopefully we’ll be able to stop up soon.

Fitness & Health

  • I lost just about two pounds of fat this month. Notice I said fat. I didn’t say water or muscle. That’s an important distinction. I’ve lost almost an inch off my belly and a half inch off my waist.
  • I’m still working to get out of the Biphasic sleeping pattern. I tend to go to sleep too late and wake up too early, requiring that I nap before doing anything that requires cognitive function. New habits need to be established in order to permanently change my schedule.
  • I grabbed a pair of Reebok Crossfit 2.0 cross training sneakers. I’ve been wearing them during all my workouts and martial arts training. They’ve been great on my feet and very good for my knees.
  • I continue using MyFitnessPal to log my calories. You can’t manage what you don’t measure.

Cars

The terrible roads and potholes caused a sidewall bubble in one of Patty’s tires. Fortunately and unfortunately she only had the tires for six month. On the fortunately side, the tires were new enough that we only had to buy one new tire.

Finances

We had purchased MONEY Master the Game by Anthony Robbins in ebook and I also had a chance to sample the audio from the first chapter. I belive that’s the only chapter that AR reads. I also found a great summary of the key points that was left in an Amazon review. Here’s the key points that I put in my notes.

  1. Understand the power of compound interest and save/invest 10-20% of your income.
  2. You can’t beat the market.
  3. Fees kill your returns. Look at America’s Best 401(k) or Fees to see how your 401(k) fairs.
  4. Hire an independent fiduciary adviser.
  5. Use a Roth IRA or Roth 401(k) and pay taxes now as much as possible, since they are likely to rise in the future.
  6. Forget Target Date or actively managed mutual funds. Use index funds instead.
  7. Know how much you need in order to retire (use the free app to find some rough numbers. Make sure to take inflation into account since the app doesn’t do that)
  8. Come up with a solid asset allocation: a secure bucket (bonds, CDs, cash, etc) and a growth bucket (stocks, real estate, commodities, etc). Re-balance regularly. Take the Rutgers University risk tolerance quiz to find out how much risk you can stomach.

Naturally, I keep my finances close to my vest and don’t share much online. That doesn’t mean I’m not working on this category, though.

House

  • Continued general cleaning and maintenance.
  • Wrote up a project plan for next month’s Spring cleaning.

Whisky Tasting and Mixology

  • Patty and I have never been big drinkers but we’re having fun exploring the world of liquor and wine. We purchased a double walled cocktail shaker and a jigger and I’ve been playing the part of mixologist, whipping up whiskey sours and matadors.
  • I tried a sample bottle of Glenmorangie Lasanta 12. It’s aged in sherry casks. This whisky isn’t very complex, but has a nice mouth burn and is very enjoyable on a cold night.
  • I tasted Glen Garioch 1797 founder’s Reserve. I got sucked in by advertised characteristic. They claim sweet vanilla, butterscotch, fresh green fruits, sweet buttercream, and citrus. It tastes like cough syrup and leather to me. Actually, it tastes like Talisker 10 without the peat. I can only stomach it in very small drams.
  • We visited Julio’s Liquors in Westboro. They have a great selection.

Personal Development

I revisited the Anthony Robbins Time of Your Life/RPM audio program.

Began reading The Winning Mind Set by Jim Brault and Kevin Seaman. Kevin Seaman was gracious enough to sign and inscribe a copy for me. My first impression is that it’s a very nice personal development workbook. Much of its contents are grounded in NLP and cognitive behavioral psychology. Great stuff! I think it will make a great refresher. And since both of the writers are also martial artists, I think I’ll enjoy many of their illustrative examples. I plan to work through each section and see where it takes me.

Movies

Non-Stop *** Better than I expected. Implausible ending.

Magic Moments

We came home to a small (what we believe to be a) screech owl perched on the light by our garage. The owl’s eyes were but slits in the daylight, but he still watched us as we made our way inside. Once we closed the door, he puffed his body out for warmth and went to sleep. As soon as the sun set he took flight to destinations unknown. I take the owl’s visit as a good omen of positive change to come. Here’s a photo of our unlikely visitor.Owl

That’s about it for March. See you in April…hopefully sooner.

February in Review

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In an attempt to keep up the momentum with this blog, I’ve decided to give you another update. This one will list out what I worked on during the month of February. It hasn’t been bad for a short month.

Writing

Short Fiction

  • I received and approved the galley proof edits of my SF/Horror story “Sat Down Inside Her” that will appear in the 3rd annual New England Horror Writer’s anthology. Also, provided an updated bio for the book.
  • I began work on a reimagining of an unsold 3k short story formerly known as Halloween’s Child. Having learned a lot about crafting a salable story since I wrote the original version in 2011, I was hit with a bit of inspiration on how I might make it viable. I’ve already tacked on a new opening scene and smoothed out the writing. Much like my novel WOLVES OF VENGEANCE, this story combines horror with the thriller genre. And I’m definitely expanding the thriller component. The horror thriller is kinda becoming my thing.

Novels

  • Year of the Demon (Conspiracy/Crime Thriller): I continued working on the 3rd draft of this 90,000 word novel. As I really dig in and polish the work I realize how much I’ve learned since I began writing this draft. The polishing stage is always the most frustrating and the most rewarding. So much needs to be fixed and rearranged, but it’s always fulfilling when the work is near to its final form.
  • The Tower (Paranormal Haunting/Woman in Jeopardy Crime Thriller):  I’m now approximately 20,250 or 81 pages into the first draft of this novel. So far, it feels like the best thing I’ve ever written. And yes, this novel would be considered a horror or supernatural thriller.
  • Proxy Mate (Dystopian SF): I haven’t made a lot of progress on this novella. My process is to work on multiple stories at a time. If I get stuck on one I just let it sit while I work on something else. I also tend to move back and forth between stories during my writing time. I’ve found I’m more productive this way, but some stories fall by the wayside. I’m sure I’ll get back to it in the month of March. As it stands, I’m 11,250 words or 45 pages into this novella.
  • Wolves of Vengeance (Multi-Genre Supernatural Thriller): Wolves received a very nice review this month. Take a look if you have a chance: http://davoortwilbo.blogspot.com/2015/02/david-north-martinos-wolves-of-vengeance.html

Reading

  • I finished A Different Kind of Slumber by Doug Rinaldi. You can find my review here.
  • I’m still working on the Indie Writer’s Pack. I’m 50% in and reading Let’s get Digital.
  • I started The Vanishing Magic of Snow by Reb MacRath and am 30% of the way in and loving it.

Networking

  • Continued editing a novella for a writer friend.
  • Helped a writer friend with research.
  • Kept up with writer friends on social media.

Family

  • Called my Mom & Dad twice a week on average this month.
  • Called my Aunt and Uncle to thank them for a gift.
  • Burned CDs for my Mom & Aunt.
  • Visited my Mom & Dad for breakfast.
  • Celebrated my birthday (Just like Jack Benny, I’ve had another 39th birthday).
  • Gave Patty roses for Valentine’s Day.
  • Sent my nephew a copy of the Signed Limited Edition Hardcover of The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks for his birthday.

Martial arts 

Another month where I unfortunately didn’t make any seminars.

  • Five rounds of shadow boxing 2-3 times a week with Patty.
  • Practiced Kali sinawali solo and with Patty.
  • Practiced Ukemi skills.

Fitness & Health

  • Lost two pounds of fat this month. Slow and steady–I’ll take it.
  • I’ve been in a biphasic sleeping pattern. Next month I need to change my schedule to allow for more sleep time during the night.
  • Had a Field of Vision Test. The test came out perfectly.  I have no glaucoma damage.
  • Had an appointment with my glaucoma specialist. He changed my eye drops to a lower dosage of medication, and moved me over from a generic to a brand name. He gave me a discount card to reduce the cost of the medication.

Sales

  • We sold our Wii that had been sitting in the entertainment center gathering dust.

House

  • I cleaned out and organized the entertainment center.
  • I unplugged any electronics we haven’t been using to save on the electric bill.
  • General cleaning and maintenance.

Whisky Tasting

I tried Glenfiddich 12 this month. I find it has a smoother taste, less complex, more candied, more like a bourbon, and less mouth burn/heat. I like it best of all the whisky I’ve tried.

Movies Watched

Not a big month for movies. Busy, busy, busy!

  • After Earth: ** mediocre, muddled, miscast.

That’s it for February. March is already coming on full force and swinging for the rafters. More soon…

January in Review

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In an attempt to keep some sort of momentum going with this blog, I’ve decided to give you an update on what I’ve been working on during the month of January. It’s been a pretty good month. I’m hoping to make a couple videos soon that will show how I go about goal setting and planning my year. Until then, I give you this…

Writing

Short Fiction

  • My SF/Horror story “Sat Down Inside Her” was accepted into the untitled 3rd annual New England Horror Writer’s anthology slated for an early summer release. More information to come.
  • I received a rejection from a top market with a “hope to see more stories from you in the future” from the editor. As one writer commented on FB, “I hope you know that’s a fabulous response.” Some of my non-writer friends don’t understand how a rejection can be a good thing. Suffice it to say that when an editor from a top pro market says he’d like to see more of your work, you know your writing is near or at the level of that market. All that it will take is writing a story that catches the editor’s fancy to get an acceptance letter. Maybe that and a little luck.  As you can well imagine, cracking this market has been put on  the top of my goal list.

Novels

  • Year of the Demon (Conspiracy/Crime Thriller): I began working on the 3rd draft of this 90,000 word novel.
  • The Tower (Paranormal Haunting/Woman in Jeopardy Crime Thriller) : I’m approximately 15,200 words or 61 pages into the first draft of this novel. Currently, I’m projecting that it will run about 90,000 words when completed.
  • Proxy Mate (Dystopian SF) : I’m approximately 11,250 words or 45 pages into what most likely will be a novella. At present, I have no idea how long this story will run.
  • Wolves of Vengeance (Multi-Genre Supernatural Thriller): has had an uptick is sales and borrows this month. Updating the book description, changing the genre descriptors, and gaining a couple more glowing reviews has seemed to help.

Reading

Family & Friends

  • Called my parents at least once per week.
  • Kept in contact with my aunt through email.
  • Celebrated Patty’s birthday.
  • Kept up with friends on social media.
  • Contacted my friend and former Gothic & Arthurian lit professor through email to stay in touch.
  • Lit a candle for my sister on the anniversary of her death.

Martial Arts

  • So many good seminars this month, and I wasn’t able to attend any of them. At least I got plety of training in at home.
  • Five or six rounds of shadowboxing at least 2x per week with Patty using the Bas Rutten MMA Workout audio CDs.
  • Practiced Kali sinawali
  • Continued practicing Naihanchi forms

Fitness & Health

  • Lost a half inch from my waist and about a pound of fat since I began tracking again.
  • Began using myfitnesspal again to track my weightloss and fitness goals.
  • Utilized the original P90X DVDs a few times this month, doing about 30 minutes each (focused on Core Synergistics and Back & Chest).
  • Had my semi-annual dental cleaning.

Cars

  • Had D service on my car, along with an oil change.
  • Had my car inspected and a parking light replaced.

Thing Goals

  • Bought a set of precision screwdrivers at Ace Hardware. I’m going to upgrade the memory in my Mac. That’s the plan, at least.

House

  • General cleaning and maintenance.

Whisky Tasting

  • I’ve enjoyed drinking Glenmorangie The Original and Glenlevit 12. I’m very new to the world of whisky snobbery, but I find that it suits me. Haha! I enjoyed a sample of Glenlevit 15, but didn’t notice much difference from the 12. Tried Talisker at the recomendation of some writer friends and have found it a very acquired taste. I’m not used to the smokey/peaty taste, and not sure I’ll ever like it. All is not lost, though. I’ll be bringing whatever is left to AnthoCon where I will be very happy to share!

General

  • I survived the Blizzard of 2015.
  • I got a haircut. I look almost human again. Almost…

Movies Watched:

  • World War Z ***
  • Escape Plan **
  • Captain America: The Winter Soldier ****

I’ll create an addendum if I think of anything else.

Until next time…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year In Review 2014

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Each year I create a list of goals for every area in my life. Throughout the year I work on these goals, track my progress and my challenges. Then, to keep myself honest, I commit to posting a list of some of my top accomplishments and challenges, and some of my smaller ones as well.

I challenge you to create a list of goals, keep track of them during the year, and then celebrate and post your accomplishments at year end. If you do, please let me know. I’d love to look at your list.

Writing Career

This year I spent most of my time writing long fiction. I’ll expound on the consequences to my short fictions sales in that section. I finished the 2nd draft of an 90,000 word crime thriller, Year of the Demon, continued my Amazon experiment by  marketing Wolves of Vengeance, and began writing a ghost/suspense thriller and a science fiction thriller. I’m considering all my publishing options with Year of the Demon, and hope to be ready to forge ahead, on whatever that decision may be, by the end of 1st quarter 2015.

Novels/Novellas

YEAR OF THE DEMON (Crime Thriller)

  • Completed the second draft of Year of the Demon.
  • Prepped manuscript for 1st readers.
  • Secured first readers (beta readers) 
  • Allowed manuscript to “cool” to allow enough distance from the material to look at it as objectively as possible.
  • Read through the whole manuscript to get a feel for the structure.
  • Received first 50 pages of edits with only minor mechanical issues to be corrected.

WOLVES OF VENGEANCE (Supernatural Thriller)

I returned to marketing Wolves of Vengeance after reallocating that time to complete Year of the Demon. I changed the fiction categories the book is listed in on Amazon, changed the books description, joined Kindle Unlimited and even ran a free promotion. I also received a few more nice reviews. All of these actions helped to return the book to the public eye and it began selling more and getting more borrows.

  • Updated and refined Wolves of Vengeance book description.
  • Received this blurb from one of my writing heroes: “Wolves of Vengeance by David North-Martino. A paranormal wolf novel with real teeth, plus theme, strong plotting, rich characterization…and style to spare. If you like horror, check it out. The fact that it’s an ebook should be all the proof you need that traditional publishing’s in a bad way. North-Martino’s a writer to watch for.”-Reb MacRath, Author of Red Champagne.
  • The 0.99 cent sale ended and price returned to normal.
  • Signed up for Kindle Select/Unlimited
  • Researched promotional opportunities.
  • Set up Kindle free promotion for Halloween Eve and Halloween.
  • Advertised Free promotion and Unlimited status on social media
  • Submitted and paid for Ebook Booster
  • Updated Kboard’s book post
  • gave away 98 books for free peaking at #3,077 in free Kindle, #3 in free Psychic Suspense and #12 in free Horror Suspense.
  • Dipped back to 1 million (paid) then to #100,642 (paid) #53 in paid psychic suspense (3rd page) #26 in Suspense Horror. #404 of 2,673 results.
  • Had my first Kindle Unlimited borrows.
  • Changed fiction categories and noticed and upswing in sales.
  • Created a Bitly link for Wolves.

THE TOWER (Ghost/Suspense Thriller) Working Title

  • Began first draft of The Tower. In a burst of inspiration I wrote 16 pages in 6 hours completing most of the first chapter in one sitting.
  • Began research for the novel. I tend to do research while I’m writing.
  • The manuscript is currently just over the 10,000 word mark.

PROXY MATE (Distopian Science Fiction)

  • Began first draft of Proxy Mate.
  • Began research.
  • The manuscript is currently just under the 9,000 word mark.

Short Stories

All the momentum I created during 2011 and 2012 culminated in 2013 being a banner year for  short fiction sales. Fortunately and unfortunately, everything purchased in 2013 was also published that same year. This left me with a lag in my momentum at a time when I wanted to spend more time on novels. I decided to put the majority of my time working on long fiction, but did squeeze in some time to write, rework, and submit stories for publication. I also ended up on the shortlist of one anthology, but won’t know if I have an acceptance until early next year. I’m competing with a group of highly talented writers who always bring their A-game. So, we will see what happens.

  • Wrote 2 new short stories and reworked others to hopefully make them salable.
  • Submitted six stories to various markets. This was about half of what I planned, but I decided to spend more time writing long fiction.
  • Received payment for “The Interloper.” This story appears in: ANTHOLOGY: YEAR TWO: INNER DEMONS OUT
  • Created a list of upcoming submission deadlines for magazine and anthology markets.
  • Won a free book from the fine people at Villapede Press: DOUBLE FEATURE 1
  • Cellar Door received a nice review from Hellnotes: CELLAR DOOR REVIEWS
  • Invited by editor, after receiving high marks from associate editors, to submit to new anthology.
  • Ended up on the shortlist for an anthology that is scheduled to be published next year.

Networking

  • Wrote reviews and gave ratings for novels that I enjoyed.
  • Shared and exchanged Web links with other authors.
  • Kept up with author friends on social media.
  • Read and critiqued the beginning of a novel for an author friend.

Marketing

  • Invited to write answers to the Usual Questions for Festivale Online Magazine  (Interestingly enough, after I stated that I wanted to spend more time on mainstream thrillers, I ended up begining a ghost/suspense novel and a science fiction novella). THE USUAL QUESTIONS
  • Updated WordPress to a professional URL.

Reading

Reading is probably the most important thing any writer can do to improve their craft. The impulse to write usually comes from a love of reading. That’s certainly where mine came from. I don’t like to make a list of the books I read a year because, compared to some, my list would be pathetically small. I tend to read slowly. My pace has slowed considerably since I began writing because now I’m trying to read like a writer and absorb the nuances within the fiction, and learn how different writers aproach their craft. Still, I feel that the depth of the reading is as important and how much reading is accomplished.

Author Hank Schwaeble challenged me, and many other writers, to read some fiction classics this year. We were supposed to pick out some that we hadn’t read from Time Magazine’s All-Time 100 Novels.  I only got to one that I had picked out: The Spy Who Came In From The Cold by John Le Carre. I really enjoyed that book, and can see how it has influenced American thriller writers. I will read more on that list as time allows.

Family/Friends

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  • Called my parents on average once per week.
  • Attended a belated holiday gathering with my family in January.
  • Celebrated our birthdays.
  • Took down tree in January.
  • Called my Aunt Margie to wish her a Happy New Year.
  • Lit a candle for my Sister on the anniversary of her death.
  • Attended a wake for a friend’s father.
  • Mailed cards to nieces and nephews.
  • Celebrated 19 years of marriage.
  • Sent Cousin Thorny a card for his 90th birthday.
  • Visited my family for Mother’s Day.
  • Attended my God-daughter’s graduation party.
  • Exhanged emails with my friend and former Professor.
  • Helped my parents with the logistics of picking up their new car.
  • Attended Patty’s Dad’s BBQ a couple of days after Independence Day.
  • Attended a seafood boil at a friends house. Videos of me dancing and playing the spoons.
  • Had a writing friend offer to introduce me to one of my martial arts heroes.
  • Visited my Mom & Dad for lunch at Cedars Steak House.
  • Celebrated the anniverary of our first date.
  • Enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner for two at home.
  • Visited Mom & Dad for an after Thanksgiving breakfast.
  • Reminisced with a high school friend about another school we attended together.
  • Celebrated Christmas and my Father-In-Law’s 80th birthday.
  • Enjoyed an after holiday breakfast with my parents.
  • Made a Valentine’s video for my FB friends. Hahaha!

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Martial Arts

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Last year I trained mostly solo and worked with some private students as I assessed the direction I wanted to take my own training. This year I made it a point to bring my training in a new direction.  I decided to add some Filipino Kali (stick and knife training) and Jeet Kune Do to my training. I had the opportunity to work with full and associate instructors of Guro Dan Innosanto and attended a seminar with legendary Sigung Taky Kimura. I trained with some old martial friends, and made some amazing new ones. Although I will continue to practice what I’ve learned in my previous arts, I now know what direction my training will go for at least the next five years.

  • Celebrated 27 years of martial arts training.
  • Researched Krav Maga and combatives curriculums.
  • Purchases a Krav Maga curriculum workbook.
  • Switched Patty to a Krav style curriculum for our fighting & fitness training until Patty injured her knee outside of training.
  • Continued my solo training.
  • Created a new training log book to reflect my new goals.
  • Renewed our membership at the range.
  • Challenge: I nursed a shoulder injury.
  • Contacted my friend Tony and arranged to meet him and his wife at a Kali seminar.
  • Purchased a Jeet Kune Do book.
  • Attended a Kali seminar with Instructor Raffi Derderian Academy of Martial Arts and began my introduction to filipino stick and knife trianing. Reconected with my friend Tony and his wife, received training from an amazing instructor,  trained with a great partner who helped me with the new material, and met some all around great people from the Metrowest Academy of Jiu Jitsu . I highly recommend both of these schools.
  • Bought rattan sticks and foam covered training sticks.
  • Began working on what I learned at the seminar including Heaven Six, Heaven and Earth, and other sinawali and sambrata.
  • Taught Patty some of these basics so that we could train together.
  • Learned basic JKD/Wing Chung Pak Sao and Lop Sao and others.
  • After an interesting synchronicity, I reconnected to my traditional TKD (Tang Soo Do) training.
  • Posted my 1992 black belt test on youtube.
  • Research Shotokan Kata to compare and contrast with Tang Soo Do.
  • Returned to modified P90X training
  • Focused on Naihanchi Sam Dan
  • Made three Youtube martial arts videos for fun: Kali, Karate punching, and boxing workout.
  • Attended Raffi’s New England Martial Arts Camp for the Taky Kimura seminar. I met tons of great people and leaned lots. Practiced Jun Fan Gung Fu/Jeet Kune Do, Jung Ki Hapkido with Master LaCava, Kali with Sifu Kevin Seaman (he also taught BJJ), studied various styles of Kung Fu with Sifu Mark Cardona. I wasn’t able to attend Coach Jeff Burger‘s Muay Thai class, but I did have the privilege of working with him briefly. I highly recommend all of these instructors. If you live nearby, check them out.
  • Trained at the range regularly.
  • Challange: I tore my MCL in my knee had had to put training on hold for a period of time.

Health

  • For fun I played PS3 Move for extra physical activity.
  • I cut down on Zyrtec and Flonase.
  • Began eye pressure at 14-15.
  • Began using Pataday for allergies.
  • Changed dentist and went to appointments for cleaning.
  • Got a flu shot.
  • Had my sunglasses repaired.
  • Visted my doctor for a mild MCL tear. Stopped training while it healed and preforemed leg lifts with weights to strengthen knee
  • Began a series of new eye drops as my eye pressure increased to 19.
  • Had side effects from new eye drop medication and got checked out at the ER.
  • Went for an appointment with an opthalmologist and glaucoma specialist. Made appointments for next year for a follow up.
  • Began reducing sodium in our diets.

Cars

  • Had cars inspected.
  • Ordered new driver’s license online and recieved it.
  • Detailed interior of cars.
  • Oil change and bushings for my car.
  • Oil change and replaced censor on airbag light on Patty’s car. Heat Shield adjusted for free. It was creating engine grininding noises. Some rattle caused by the exhaust, but we were told it wasn’t worth fixing and posed no safety problem.
  • Updated my registration.
  • Washed cars.
  • Had cars serviced for recalls.
  • Bought new tires for Patty’s car.
  • Someone hit my bumper and left four white scratches that I still need to paint.
  • Bought a new battery for Patty’s car after it died overnight and wouldn’t take a charge.

Financial

  • Had taxes prepared.
  • Patty won a product gift basket from Serene-Scape.

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  • Received a Tax form from Amazon with my royalty statement for book sales.
  • Patty met with the company’s 401k advisor and reallocated funds.
  • Reduced our phone data plan.
  • Dental bill paid in full by insurance company.
  • Saved money by fixing our toilet myself. I’m not mechanical. So, this is a big deal.
  • Had to dispute charges a couple times with credit cards because of fraud.
  • Patty had her eye glass lenses replaced under warrantee.
  • Began reading Anthony Robbin’s Wealth Book 

Charity/Community Service

  • Gave to assorted charities.
  • Gave charity in my sister’s name.
  • Made a video for ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Contacted by ABC News to use footage. Not sure if it aired. We also donated.
  • Sent letters to my representatives.
  • Voted in elections.

Things

  • We accomplished many thing goals, but I’m not going to list them publicly.
  • Upgraded to iPhone 5c from iPhone 4s.

House

  • Tested a brita filter but it didn’t work well with our sink.
  • Took down the tree.
  • Cleaned the house regularly.
  • Cleaned out the fabric softner well and dispenser after I realized that it had grown mold.
  • Replaced floater in toilet.
  • Replaced tourcher lamp in living room.
  • Installed new 10 year smoke detector in upstairs hall.
  • Association removed hedges.
  • Association provided a dumpster which helped with spring cleaning.

Fun & Travel

Vacationed at Niagara Falls in Upstate New York by way of Syracuse

  • Stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn, Syracuse.
  • Cantina Lerado at Destiny USA, Syracuse. Fresh guacamole made right at our table with diced tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro. Casa Rita, Dos Equis Amber, and steak fajitas.
  • The Seneca Hotel & Casino, Niagara. Room with a view of Canada and fireworks.
  • Played Video Poker.
  • Received $40.00 in free slot play.
  • Thunderfalls Buffett.
  • Fireworks: watched from the window Sunday and Wednesday night at 10 pm.
  • Hard Rock Café, Niagara.
  • Smokin Joes Native Center.
  • Three Sister’s Café.
  • Niagara Falls.
  • Horseshoe Falls.
  • Top of the Falls Restaurant.
  • Cave of the Winds and Hurricane Deck.
  • Hilton Garden Inn Suite, Syracuse included a large whirlpool tub.
  • Tully’s Good Times Restaurant Syracuse.
  • Went to Chipolite for the first time.
  • Watched Independence day fireworks on TV, and out of our home window.

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  • Had frozen yogurt at Menchies.
  • Watched Rhonda Rousey win by TKO with a knee to the liver (liver shot)!
  • Watched UFC: Rousey wins in 16 seconds.
  • Tried ice cream at Chevy’s in Woonsocket.
  • Went to a friend’s seafood boil in RI.
  • Went to the new Showcase XPlus Cinema, watched The Expendables III, and got a free T-shirt.
  • Watched Guardians of the Galaxy at the IMAX.
  • Ate at the Blue Fin Lounge for the first time.

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That’s about it for 2014. On to 2015…  Happy New Year!

Anthology: Year Two: Inner Demons Out

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Last week I spent a fun filled weekend hanging out with creative people, attending readings and panels, and networking at AnthoCon in Portsmouth New Hampshire.

Here I am reading a portion of my story “The Interloper,” which appears in the annual AnthoCon anthology-Anthology: Year Two: Inner Demons Out.

“From the minds of guests of ANTHOLOGY (AnthoCon), Northern New England’s only Multi Genre Literature and Arts Convention, comes a compendium of imaginative prose, poetry, and arts.”

Featuring Works From…

Meghan Arcuri, T.G. Arsenault, Michael Bailey, David Bernstein, Tracy L. Carbone, Scott Christian Carr, Victorya Chase, Robert Davies, Mandy DeGeit, Timothy P. Flynn, John Goodrich, Scott T. Goudsward, Marianne Halbert, Stacey Longo, Kevin Lucia, Bracken MacLeod, Michaelle Mixell, G. Elmer Munson, Holly Newstein, David North-Martino, Errick A. Nunnally, Craig D.B. Patton, Susan Scofield, B.E Scully, Julie Stipes, Andrew Wolter, K. Allen Wood, Richard Wright, Candace Yost, T.T. Zuma

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New Story Collection Available!

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I’m very pleased to announce that my story “Phantom Chasers” is included in the FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE anthology. 
 
From Grinning Skull Press:
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FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE has been published and is available in ebook format only at the moment from Amazon.com.
 
The authors included in this anthology are:
 
Brent Abell
Gordon Anthony Bean
Rose Blackthorn
Tim J. Finn
Scott M. Goriscak
Marianne Halbert
Jeffrey Kosh
Lisamarie Lamb
Mark Leslie & Carol Weekes
Edward J. McFadden III
Adam Millard
David North-Martino
Jeffrey C. Pettengill
Nelson W. Pyles
Michael Thomas-Knight
Robert W. Walker
Cynthia Ward
Jay Wilburn
Jennifer Word
 
Description: 
For some, death is not the end. There are those who are doomed to walk the earth for all eternity, those who are trapped between one plain of existence and the next, those who, for whatever reason, cannot or will not let go of the lives they left behind. These are the vengeful spirits, the tortured souls, the ghosts that haunt our realm. Welcome to FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE, a collection of 19 original ghost stories.

Review: Top Suspense Anthology

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I really liked this anthology. It stared off a little slow but when it picked up, boy did it pick up. As soon as I got to “Remaindered” by Lee Goldberg it started chugging along, full speed ahead. This is a professionally written, polished, and edited e-book by writers who are at the top of their field. You really can’t go wrong by picking this up, especially for the price. It has a little something for everyone.

Here are some of my favorites in the order they appear:

“Remaindered” by Lee Goldberg: As I already mentioned, this is a great story. If you like humor with your murder and mayhem, you’ll like this one.

“Fire in the Sky” by Joel Goldman: this is a very nice period piece that’s flawlessly written. You get much of the same richness you’d find in a novel in this short story.

“The Baby Store” by Ed Gorman: think of the movie GATTICA, only darker. Gorman likes to punch you in the gut and leave you down for the count.

“The Chirashi Covenant” by Naomi Harahara: THE JOY LUCK CLUB meets THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. Need I say more?

“El Valiente en el Infierno” by Paul Levine: this could have been a very politically charged story but Levine manages to humanize both sides and offers us a lot to think about. Fantastic!

“A Handful of Dust” by Harry Shannon: Shannon shows just how close the line is between noir and horror—then he crosses it. I loved it!

Anyway, I think you get the picture. I highly recommend this anthology. Go on and read it and find your own favorites.

Get it at Amazon 

At it at Barnes & Noble

On Sale Now!

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Extinct Doesn’t Mean Forever, an anthology that includes my story “The Language of Ice,” is on sale now!
19 stories for only $2.99!

Launch Party 8a.m. EST March 23rd 2011 to 8a.m. EST March 24th 2011: http://phoenixsullivan.blogspot.com/

Story Sale!

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I am pleased to announce that my short story “The Language of Ice” is scheduled to appear in Phoenix Sullivan’s upcoming anthology Extinct Doesn’t Mean Forever. The anthology is slated for a spring release. You’ll be able to find it wherever fine e-books are sold.  I just signed the contract and I am very excited! : )

More information can be found here: http://phoenixsullivan.blogspot.com/2011/02/stories-accepted-for-extinct.html