The World According to ChickLitGurrl™

Where the WORD is IT :: Editorial/Writing Assistance offered by author, editor, educator Shōn Bacon

Screenwriting + Pure Hilarity = Brian Spaeth March 16, 2009

Filed under: All the Blog's a Page — Shon @ 10:12 am
Tags: , ,

For the month of March, All the Blog’s a Page (AtBaP) is going to the big screen…and center stage as we talk to screenwriters and playwrights!

Last month, the hilarious and talented writer Brian Spaeth came to AtBaP for an interview, and this month he’s back to talk about screenwriting and the upcoming project 2WO G2N G2Y!

LATEST PROJECT: 2WO G2N G2Y


2WO G2N G2Y tells the story of a man with no memory, no name, and two guns.

Embroiled in an international revenge plot between a pair of secret, international revenge seeking organizations, who are international and want revenge, he must rely on the only things that his body remembers how to do – be really tough and use two guns at once.

He wears four belts.

2WO G2N G2Y is a 30-part web series, which is made exclusively to be online, on the internet. Told in 30 parts, it’s for the web. It’s broadband, how you like it – online.

What does it all mean? The internet is officially on fire. More on fire than anything as ever been ever.

Check out the trailer!

For the month of March, I asked SEVERAL questions. When I asked, What three things should writers/filmmakers have in their arsenal if they want to heighten their chances of success, Spaeth replied:


a) Multiple Ideas – You need to be seen as an ongoing revenue stream for anyone you’re working with, i.e. agents, producers, etc., and also – sometimes the throw-away idea you think is garbage might be the one someone else sees as gold.

b) Humility/Muzzle – Know when to shut up and listen, even when the person talking to you has no idea what they’re talking about. Telling them they’re an imbecile does you know favors, and nobody likes a pretentious artist.

c) Knowledge – Read as much as you can about the business, so you understand how it works. Go to the WGA website and read the sample contracts if you’ve never seen one. Follow box office and know what kinds of material the industry will be looking for. Research agents or producers before you meet/contact them. Watch old movies – have a working knowledge of film history.

To read the rest of Brian Spaeth’s comments on screenwriting, head to All the Blog’s a Page!

And while there, check out writers Kristin Johnson’s and John W. Bosley’s wonderful features!

ALL THE BLOG’S A PAGE (AtBaP) – Where everything relates to writing
[http://alltheblogsapage.blogspot.com]

 

Author Terra Little Talks about Street/Urban Fic Today! February 19, 2009

Filed under: All the Blog's a Page — Shon @ 8:34 am
Tags: , , ,

For the month of February, All the Blog’s a Page (AtBaP) is taking it to the streets – urban and street fiction, that is. This week, I feature Terra Little, author of Where There’s Smoke, and trust me, she has some things to say about this genre!

For February, I asked the following set of questions:

**What does urban/street fiction mean to you? Is there a distinction between urban and street?
**Of all the genres present, what drew you to write urban/street fiction?
**What has been – if any – some of the positive and negative comments you have received from readers?
**In the branch of Black literature, what do you think urban/street fiction brings to the table?

In answering the question, In the branch of Black literature, what do you think urban/street fiction brings to the table, Little began her response by stating, “As a combined genre, which I don’t happen to think is always the case, Urban/Street Fiction brings confusion and, in some cases, anger to the table. There are truly urban, working class people who take offense at being perceived as having anything to do with street life by society’s standards, myself included. And there are those who are confused about what it means to be urban and what it means to be street; those who think one is unequivocally the same as the other. Along this vein, I think Urban/Street Fiction can bring stereotypical fuel to the table. We can all eat at the same table, but let’s not confuse corn with mashed potatoes, even if mashed potatoes is capable of covering up corn when we want them to.”

To read the rest of Terra Little’s thoughts on street/urban fiction and to read an excerpt from Where There’s Smoke, head to All the Blog’s a Page!

ALL THE BLOG’S A PAGE (AtBaP) – Where everything relates to writing
[http://alltheblogsapage.blogspot.com]

 

Author Teresa Patterson Talks Street/Urban Fic Today @ AtBaP February 5, 2009

Filed under: All the Blog's a Page, Shon Bacon — Shon @ 1:43 pm
Tags: , , , ,

For the month of February, All the Blog’s a Page (AtBaP) is taking it to the streets – urban and street fiction, that is. Up first is Teresa Patterson, author of the latest, Ex-Boyfriend!

For February, I asked the following set of questions:

**What does urban/street fiction mean to you? Is there a distinction between urban and street?

**Of all the genres present, what drew you to write urban/street fiction?

**What has been – if any – some of the positive and negative comments you have received from readers?

**In the branch of Black literature, what do you think urban/street fiction brings to the table?

In answering the question, In the branch of Black literature, what do you think urban/street fiction brings to the table, Patterson replied, “I think urban/street fiction brings so much to the table for both the African American authors and the readers. Along with the newer “street” genre, came the opportunity for so many authors to put pen to paper and create. Before, they may have thought that no one would be interested in what they’d written, but times have changed. Today, if you write it and publish it, somebody is going to buy it and read it.

When once there were only a few African American titles to choose from now there are a variety of books on the bookshelves written by black authors. Urban/street fiction appeals to a lot of the younger generation. They may not necessarily have read much in the past, but now they can pick up something that they can relate to.”

To read the rest of Teresa Patterson’s thoughts on street/urban fiction and to read an excerpt from Ex-Boyfriend, head to All the Blog’s a Page!

ALL THE BLOG’S A PAGE (AtBaP) – Where everything relates to writing
[http://alltheblogsapage.blogspot.com]

 

Author Jerry Waxler Discusses Memoir Writing at AtBaP January 27, 2009

Filed under: All the Blog's a Page, Shon Bacon — Shon @ 1:14 pm
Tags: , , ,

For the month of JANUARY, All the Blog’s a Page (AtBaP) has been looking at memoir writing, and for our final feature of the month, I’m thrilled to introduce Jerry Waxler, M.S., author of Learn to Write Your Memoir in Four Weeks!

For January, I asked the following set of questions:

  • What do you think is the lure of memoirs for readers?
  • Do you think there is a bit of egotism on the part of the writer who focuses on memoirs as a means to “tell stories”?
  • Why did you, as writer, feel compelled to write your story
  • Why did you feel compelled to share this story with others?

In answering the question, Why did you feel compelled to share this story with others, Waxler states, “This is a huge question. Why does any writer want readers? Stephen King says in his memoir, “On Writing” that writing is a sort of magic that transmits ideas from one person’s mind into another. I love this idea. By writing, I can share my thoughts, initiating an intimate connection with people I can’t even see. That begs the question, “Why should I want to do that?” I’m not sure exactly of the reason, but I am sure of the result. Extending my writing to a public audience has turned into the most exciting project in my life. In exchange for the hours I sit at my desk putting words on paper, I am instantly rewarded by the pleasure of creativity. Over time, my world has become richer, thanks to a network of readers and writers. And part of my payoff is the fantastic notion that somehow, through my writing, I will be able to serve people.”

To read the rest of Jerry Waxler’s thoughts on memoirs and to read excellent excerpts from Learn to Write Your Memoir in Four Days and Four Elements for Writers: How to Get Beyond “Yes-But,” Conquer Self-Doubt and Inertia, and Achieve Your Writing Goals, head to All the Blog’s a Page!

While there, check out the other stellar feature authors for this month: Annette Fix, K.L. Belvin, Versandra Kennebrew, and CD Mitchell!

ALL THE BLOG’S A PAGE (AtBaP) – Where everything relates to writing
[http://alltheblogsapage.blogspot.com]

 

The Break-Up Diet Author Annette Fix Discusses Memoir Writing January 21, 2009

Filed under: All the Blog's a Page, Shon Bacon — Shon @ 3:22 pm
Tags: , , ,

For the month of JANUARY, All the Blog’s a Page (AtBaP) is looking at memoir writing, and this week, I’m bringing back someone that I’ve become a fan of: Annette Fix, author of The Break-Up Diet: A Memoir!

For January, I asked the following set of questions:

  • What do you think is the lure of memoirs for readers?
  • Do you think there is a bit of egotism on the part of the writer who focuses on memoirs as a means to “tell stories”?
  • Why did you, as writer, feel compelled to write your story
  • Why did you feel compelled to share this story with others?

In answering the question, What do you think is the lure of memoirs for readers, Fix begins her response by stating, Personally, I love memoir. I find it so much more fascinating to know the characters are real and the events in the story actually occurred. I still read fiction, but in the back of my mind, I know the author is placing herself in the world of the characters and trying to imagine what she would do if she were confronted with the internal and external forces driving their actions. I don’t believe anyone really knows what they’ll do until they’re actually in any given situation.

To read the rest of Annette Fix’s thoughts on memoirs and to read an article written by Fix on memoir writing, head to All the Blog’s a Page!

You can read the thoughts of others who have written memoirs – CD Mitchell, Versandra Kennebrew, and K.L. Belvin!

ALL THE BLOG’S A PAGE (AtBaP) – Where everything relates to writing
[http://alltheblogsapage.blogspot.com]

 

Author K.L. Belvin Discusses Memoir Writing @ AtBaP January 14, 2009

Filed under: All the Blog's a Page, Shon Bacon, craft — Shon @ 10:15 am
Tags: , , ,

For the month of JANUARY, All the Blog’s a Page (AtBaP) is looking at memoir writing, and this week, we’re featuring K.L. Belvin, author of A Man in Transition!

For January, I asked the following set of questions:

  • What do you think is the lure of memoirs for readers?
  • Do you think there is a bit of egotism on the part of the writer who focuses on memoirs as a means to “tell stories”?
  • Why did you, as writer, feel compelled to write your story
  • Why did you feel compelled to share this story with others?

In  answering the question, Do you think there is a bit of egotism on the part of the writer who focuses on memoirs as a mean to “tell stories”, Belvin stated, “I wouldn’t call it egotism on the author’s part. There are times you want to use your life to simply tell a story so those that reader can get a clear picture of what you’re trying to offer the world. In some manner I believe it’s more therapeutic than egotistical. I don’t feel authors jump up and down and say see me, look over here, my story has to be shared or the world won’t keep spinning. I can’t see it being the motivation. In my book even with the use of poetry, I want my story to be taken in and understood. Not for ego sake but with an idea of helping others to learn from my own mistakes and triumphs. Ego can be held under the microscope with a memoir; however, I don’t see it being the force behind the motivation to write.”

To read the rest of K.L. Belvin’s thoughts on memoirs and to read an excerpt from his book, head to All the Blog’s a Page!

You can also check out authors CD Mitchell’s and Versandra Kennebrew’s takes on memoir writing, too!

ALL THE BLOG’S A PAGE (AtBaP) – Where everything relates to writing
[http://alltheblogsapage.blogspot.com]

 

Author CD Mitchell on Memoir Writing @ AtBaP January 2, 2009

Filed under: All the Blog's a Page, craft, the writing life — Shon @ 12:44 pm
Tags: , , ,

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYBODY! HOPE ‘09 BRINGS YOU ACHIEVED GOALS AND MUCH HAPPINESS!

For the month of JANUARY, All the Blog’s a Page (AtBaP) is looking at memoir writing, and we kick off the new year with one of my dear friends and my second “husband” (there’s a story there, trust me), author CD Mitchell!


CD is the Blues Brothers holding the beer bottle.

For January, I asked the following set of questions:

  • What do you think is the lure of memoirs for readers?
  • Do you think there is a bit of egotism on the part of the writer who focuses on memoirs as a means to “tell stories”?
  • Why did you, as writer, feel compelled to write your story
  • Why did you feel compelled to share this story with others?

CD wrote a piece titled “The Lure of Memoir,” from which he writes, “Memoir is not the genre of self-promotion. In memoir, we do not take a podium and say “I did this! I am great!” We instead take the podium and say, “This happened to me. Please forgive my ignorance. I have learned from the experience and am a better person as a result. Forgive me for what I was before; learn from what I am now.”

“Memoir does not attempt to exalt the writer or to elevate the writer to some lofty, unattainable status over his reader. Instead, we seek to find common ground with our misery and mistakes. Instead of creating envy in our readers, we seek to establish a universal moment where the reader can see himself in the author’s words and can say “I understand how you feel.” The memoirist seeks to create empathy, common ground, and a realization that we all can do better.

“Perhaps the memoirist’s code should be the scripture that “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”"

To read the rest of CD Mitchell’s “The Lure of Memoir” and to take a sneak peek into his column “Why Do I Write,” head to All the Blog’s a Page!

ALL THE BLOG’S A PAGE (AtBaP) – Where everything relates to writing
[http://alltheblogsapage.blogspot.com]

 

Author Monica Nolan Talks about Homosexuality & Writing @ AtBaP December 22, 2008

Filed under: All the Blog's a Page, publicity — Shon @ 1:28 pm
Tags: , , ,

For the month of DECEMBER, All the Blog’s a Page (AtBaP) is looking at homosexuality and writing, and we have five wonderful writers who marry the subject into their writings in engaging, page-turning ways!

Today, we spotlight Monica Nolan, author of Lois Lenz, Lesbian Secretary!

About the book: Lois Lenz, Lesbian Secretary pays affectionate homage to the lurid pulp novels of the 50s and 60s. A sexy, titillating spoof of the illicit world of lesbian pulp fiction, Lois Lenz, Lesbian Secretary tells the steamy story of a former cheerleader with a penchant for filing. When Lois finds a job in the big city and a room at the Magdalena Arms women-only boarding house, she discovers just how seductive the society of other career girls can be.

For December, I got greedy and asked the panel THREE questions:  How have your works been received by readers of all orientations….In the stories you have written and are planning to write, what ideas and themes do you see reoccurring that shed light on homosexuality….At the end of the day, if there was one thing you wanted your readers to remember in regards to homosexuality, what would that thing be?

In answering the question, “In the stories you write and are planning to write, what ideas and themes do you see recurring that shed light on homosexuality,” Nolan began her response with, “First, I have to rewrite the question a little bit—I never use the word homosexual and would feel silly using it seriously. For me the term carries overtones of the 1950s attitudes towards gays and lesbians. I think of “Homosexuality” as medico-legal jargon used in headlines warning about a homosexual plague or the cover blurb for those pseudo-sociological books promising “a searing portrait of today’s homosexual.” This is the kind of language I try to parody in the books I’ve written and am planning to write. For example, I have my heroine, Lois, exclaim in a moment of self discovery, “I think I’m a deviant too!” In my book, of course, this is a positive thing.”

To read the rest of Monica Nolan’s responses, head to All the Blog’s a Page! And definitely check out our other guests this month: Lee Hayes, Eternity Philops, and J.M. Snyder!

ALL THE BLOG’S A PAGE (AtBaP) – Where everything relates to writing

[http://alltheblogsapage.blogspot.com]

 

Homosexuality & Writing: Lee Hayes, Editor of Flesh to Flesh December 15, 2008

Filed under: All the Blog's a Page, Shon Bacon, publicity — Shon @ 3:01 am
Tags: , , , ,

For the month of DECEMBER, All the Blog’s a Page (AtBaP) is looking at homosexuality and writing, and we have five wonderful writers whomarry the subject into their writings in engaging, page-turning ways!

Today, we spotlight author Lee Hayes, who has taken a turn as editor for the steamy, raw collection of gay erotica, Flesh to Flesh!

About the book: Erotic is defined as arousing, or designed to arouse, feelings of sexual desire. In his latest effort, Lee Hayes, the award-winning and highly-acclaimed author of Passion Marks and the thriller The Messiah, steps out of the box and adds to his writing credentials as editor of the highly anticipated erotic anthology Flesh to Flesh, released on the Simon and Schuster imprint, Strebor Books International. Taking a page from Strebor International’s founder and New York Times bestselling author Zane, Hayes, picks up the torch and provides an electrically charged and unapologetic look into the sexual lives of gay men—a world once considered taboo and forbidden.

For December, I got greedy and asked the panel THREE questions:  How have your works been received by readers of all orientations….In the stories you have written and are planning to write, what ideas and themes do you see reoccurring that shed light on homosexuality….At the end of the day, if there was one thing you wanted your readers to remember in regards to homosexuality, what would that thing be?

In answering the question, “How have your works been received by readers of all orientations,” Hayes began his reply by stating, “In general, my books have been received surprisingly well by people from all walks of life. One of the things that I try to do is try to create whole and fatally flawed characters, just like in real life. I don’t focus on sexuality as an aberration; my characters aren’t struggling with their sexual orientation, they know who they are and their homosexuality is just a part of their lives. So, when you create real people with real issues that folks can relate and connect to, then the reader usually gets caught up in the lives of the characters, not just their sexuality.”

To read the rest of Lee Hayes’ responses, head to All the Blog’s a Page! And definitely check out our other guests this month: Eternity Philops and J.M. Snyder!

ALL THE BLOG’S A PAGE (AtBaP) – Where everything relates to writing
[http://alltheblogsapage.blogspot.com]

 

Bestselling Author J. D. Mason & Being a Female Writer November 10, 2008

Filed under: All the Blog's a Page, chicklitgurrl, publicity — Shon @ 9:26 am
Tags: , , ,

For the month of NOVEMBER, All the Blog’s a Page (AtBaP) is featuring FEMALE WRITERS!

This week, we feature bestselling author J.D. Mason!

The Question for November: Reflect on the stories you have written – the stories waiting to be written.  What themes, topics do you find your writerly mind pushing you to write?  How do these themes, topics portray themselves through you as a female writer?

J. D. begins her response by stating, “I think I’m psychic!  LOL  Or, maybe just very intuitive.  I seem to find myself pursuing the story within the story, meaning, the story of turmoil or revelation going on inside the characters, in addition to the turmoil and revelations going on around them.  I don’t know if anyone else would agree, but that’s the heart of the story to me.  I look at it like this, five totally unrelated people could be going through the exact same problem (or pretty similar); they could all be broke, or sick, or having problems in their romantic relationships.  But those five people will each have a different perspective of their issues, and they’ll each approach their solutions to those issues differently.  For instance, one woman might discover that her husband is cheating on her, and go ballistic beating him with a broomstick.  Whereas another woman could have the same discovery, but ends up throwing his clothes on the front lawn, sets them on fire, changes all the locks on the house and files for divorce.”

J.D. has a lot more to say and you can read it and learn more about her latest novel YOU GOTTA SIN TO GET SAVED by heading to All the Blog’s a Page now!

ALL THE BLOG’S A PAGE (AtBaP) – Where everything relates to writing

[http://alltheblogsapage.blogspot.com]