Tuesday, January 06th, 2009
Following a trail of semi-random links I stumbled across the user-submitted online bookshelf of FanFiction.net which, as the name implies, is a repository of various pieces of fan fiction. The scope is what’s amazing, covering everything from television to comics, musicals to movies; if you can think of it there’s probably a section at FanFiction.net.
Content aside, what’s interesting about the site is the ability to create your own account/library, post your stories and divide them by chapters and a peer review system. The site isn’t much to look at but the structure of it is pretty cool.
So if you’re looking for your Kirk/Spock fan fiction or that Star Wars/Buffy crossover story you’ve always dreamed of, then this may be the site for you! 
Oh, and just to make it clear: yesterday’s post on Scrivener is in no way related to my finding FanFiction.net!
Monday, January 05th, 2009
My PSA of the day are two pieces of writing software that are quite cool. The first one, Scrivener, is a combination word processor and writing management tool. It doesn’t try to replace Word or Pages but is a basic word processor with all the standard features. What differentiates it is the ability to outline and do workflow for a writing project, including virtual notecards, version tracking, et al. in one package. In particular I think the notecard view coupled with outlining and the full-screen edit mode would make any writing project easier.
The other is WriteRoom, a very basic word processor with one goal: to take away all distractions. The bane of any writer’s existence, WriteRoom gives you a simple, no-thrills full-screen interface with basic options and forces you to write instead of giving into the lure of Internet surfing, fiddling with playlists, or checking your e-mail. My friend used something similar to this during NaNoWriMo.
Although both of these programs are OS X only, I’m sure there are Windows-equivalent applications with the same function.
Thursday, November 01st, 2007
Sorry for my disappearance of late; I’ve been trying to clear a few things off of my schedule in preparation for today, kickoff of National Novel Writing Month! I’ve also been having some fun, hanging out with friends, and generally exploring. It feels good great.
Thankfully a plot hit me all at once from the outer cosmos yesterday morning while in the shower. (So many cool things happen in the shower!) This plot hits all of my key metrics on what would be a fun story to write for NaNo, although if it ever sees the light of day it’ll probably be under a pseudonym. You knew Anne Rice wrote her early porn under a pseudonym, right? See, I’ve given away too much already!
I have a Word Press plugin to help track my writing progress to the left. Not sure when I’ll find time to install that. Until then you can use my NaNoWriMo page which is no doubt crushing under the weight of November 1st. Don’t look for any progress until the weekend, however.
Thursday, October 18th, 2007
Last year I mentioned the National Novel Writing Month project, more affectionately known as NaNoWriMo — a name that just rolls off the tongue! I did not participate last November for a bevy of silly reasons, not the least of which included the fact that I forgot all about it! At least one of my stalwart friends took part last year.
So, do you have what it takes to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days? You might be surprised how easy it is! more…
Thursday, September 06th, 2007
Understanding that I’ve given more than my fair share of negativity as of late I figured it was time to share some love. In keeping with the fact that it’s Abulia’s birthday today I’m going to give you a special little present.
Namely the “Enterprise Sourcebook” for the Star Trek RPG. more…
Sunday, June 10th, 2007
I was pleasantly surprised to see the latest addition to the Kushiel series, Kushiel’s Justice, at the bookstore last night. Due out on June 14th, book five seems to have gotten an early release. I’ll take a moment to stand up on my soapbox and highly recommend this series of books by Jacqueline Carey, whose prose is some of the most well-written and evocative that I’ve come across. Trapped on a desert island with nothing to read? Kushiel, please. What one author would I most like to have the power to emulate? Ms. Carey, please. What series of books would I give my left arm to see adapted into other media? Well, you know the answer.
Hell, I love the work so much I even adapted it for a political-driven campaign in Fading Suns once; it was awesome!
So run, don’t walk, and pickup Kushiel’s Dart, Kushiel’s Chosen, Kushiel’s Avatar, Kushiel’s Scion, and Kushiel’s Justice today! Tell them that Abulia sent you!
Sunday, May 13th, 2007
The final four episodes of Stargate SG-4 are in the works. Sitting down to plan them out, I came to the realization that this is virgin territory for me: I’ve never written for the designed end of a campaign before in over twenty years of gaming. What I’m learning — unsurprisingly — is that you have to think differently when it comes to putting your game to rest.
more…
Wednesday, March 14th, 2007
Last night Martin and I tried a new tact while working on our Super Secret Project (TM), writing our bits simultaneously together. It’s the first time I’ve ever done something like this and speaking for myself, I found it helpful. When I did need some prodding with an idea — or a question answered — Martin was there to give immediate feedback. In my experience so much of writing is “just doing it” and the flow of the words, having that immediate conduit was valuable.
Martin was cleaning up one of his documents and didn’t require any input but even so it was handy to be slogging through our word count together. It certainly made the writing process less painful.
Saturday, March 03rd, 2007
That’s how long until birthday guests come over for my son’s party. That’s also how long I have to write this week’s Stargate adventure. A week filled with lots of work and some travel put me in this unenviable position. Sure, I have ideas and a plot sketched out for this and the next three episodes but nothing actually down on paper. Certainly nothing that would qualify as an “adventure” for a game.
Mostly I’m writing this to get the creative/typing juices flowing. I’d rather be playing Crackdown.
Tuesday, February 20th, 2007
Between 1999 and 2003 I was writing Star Trek on a fairly regular basis. If I wasn’t writing it, I was probably discussing it or even playing it. Even so, with something you feel so passionate about, it’s possible to get fatigued and burnt out. For the longest time I was afraid that was the case with me in regards to Star Trek and without a doubt a lackluster series that was finally cancelled and a dreadful final movie didn’t help matters much either.
Fortunately, it seems that the fire still burns! more…
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