07/22/2007
New Book!
I have a new book out! I’ll paste the synopsis below:
Human trafficking is a global epidemic that strikes fear into most people. Reporters and journalists from numerous networks have infiltrated such groups in several countries to see what becomes of victims forced into human trafficking.
One woman, Karen Hamilton, must bring down a multi-million dollar trafficking empire in the latest fast-paced thriller, Virginia Creeper, by Laura Wright.
The book begins with Karen in her third week of captivity. Her captor, Raymond, has alluded to “giving” earlier victims away, but offers no details. She has suffered every violation imaginable. Many of Raymond’s assaults are broadcasted “live” to an internet audience.
She finds her final opportunity to escape and seizes the moment. She leaves Raymond, the self-proclaimed “Virginia Creeper,” mortally wounded. She flees the desolate cabin where he held her. Her return home is accompanied by an extensive hospital stay and a growing awareness that she didn’t return alone. She must face the frightening fact that she is the only one who can stop them. She is the only one to return alive.
The horrors only begin when she finds Raymond was merely a pawn. The “Cabin Fever,” ring is thriving and the leader is a wealthy, powerful, and respected man. He knows who she is, what she’s done, and he will do anything necessary to silence her. Karen finds enemies surround her and few people are what they seem to be.
Also, there is a web site devoted to this book at: http://www.vacreeper.com.
Now that my schedule is somewhat calmed, I can start posting again.
09:10 Posted in Books | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this
12/09/2006
Industry Standards: Fact or Fiction?
This phrase has puzzled many authors for years. What are the “industry standards” for a writer? There are many con artists who use this term to lure in unsuspecting writers and there are agents and editors who use this without offering any real explanation. Even authors who have written for decades can become puzzled when this phrase is tossed around without elaboration.
Aside from submission requirements (double-spaced, appropriate margins, last name and title in header, etc.), there is no set “industry standard.”
When you edit your work until it looks perfect, you have brought your manuscript up to industry standard. It will be up to industry standard when it is ready to submit to agents. There is no magical editing formula or method to guarantee publication or acceptance with any company. Your work is already “standard.” Writers work with their material, they constantly work to improve as a writer, and they produce the best piece they can. It is their own, “industry standard.”
That is all this term means. It isn’t a secret or mystery. Writers all differ and the work they produce is equally diverse. What is your standard will be different to the standards of others. This is precisely why there are no specific rules for the publishing industry. Every editor will differ and every agent will differ. Their personal preferences create what we know to be, “industry standard.”
In closing, you never have to wonder exactly what “industry standards,” are. The only rules are creating the best work we can and following submission guidelines wherever we query.
21:36 Posted in Writing | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this
12/07/2006
Critique The Critic!
Are literary and film critics capable of giving an unbiased review when it comes to the “Terrible Three?”
In a nutshell, apparently not.
For decades, movie lovers have either listened to or ignored the voices of the critics. Critics are often highly paid, very picky, and in some genres, they remain clueless.
The three genres of science fiction, fantasy, and horror have all been thrown together more times than fans can count. Despite their commercial popularity, critics usually give these films poor marks for the exact same reasons. Typically, we can assume it is simply because the critics themselves do not like the genres and, therefore, allow their personal feelings to cloud their judgment.
They have deemed the genres of Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Horror together because most professionals in the industry regard them as such. Writers and authors already have a good idea of how these are perceived by the attitude of publishers. So many have, “We do not accept fantasy, science fiction, or horror,” blatantly posted across their web sites.
What many who shun these genres fail to recognize is that these are popular areas. We live in a world where Stephen King has sold far more books and created far more movies than such writers as Jackie Collins. Yet, it seems with most publishers that drama, romance, and erotica are more accepted and published.
American audiences seem to prefer much different material than is often acceptable. For example, look at Lifetime Network. Initially, most non-viewers think of drama, something with intellectual meaning and purpose that is thoroughly positive and constructive. Yet, look through the movies. The majority involves mystery, and others involve the paranormal and much darker themes than mere romance. Add to that the syndication of the popular television series, “Medium,” and it firmly declares that American audiences prefer material with darker themes.
The film industry is much like the writing industry in professional genre preference. Movie critics adore dramas. They love the weepy, “tear-jerker” films that leave everyone feeling good, or sends whatever message they can create from it.
Yet, when a horror movie surfaces, they always return to the same criticism. “One-sided characters, poor pacing, bad plot, poor writing, bad acting, etc.” What are fans of these genres to do for expert advice on what films to see? Sadly, we have no known critic specifically for these three wonderful genres.
A movie critic, “in general,” is a farce from the beginning due to their one-sided nature. They will have a biased opinion prior to ever seeing a film. They, much like editors, will have their own specific tastes and preferences. Very few critics can actually provide a totally unbiased opinion on a movie or book for the entire spectrum of the industry.
Look at such blockbusters as, “The Ring,” “X-Men,” or, “Lord of the Rings.” They were mega-movies with audiences who have returned to watch again and again. This doesn’t even touch on the fan base of “Star Wars,” or, “Star Trek.” Can we consider how many, “X-Philes” there are who loved Mulder and Scully? Yet, how many saw as much recognition as, “Titanic,” or, “Friends?” None. Naomi Watts gave a stellar performance as “Rachel,” in the Ring movies, but never received the much deserved recognition. Even Halle Berry and Penelope Cruz were amazing in, “Gothika,” but little attention was brought to this role.
Fans of the “Terrible Three,” (horror, science fiction, fantasy) seem to be far greater in number than those of many other genres. It is apparent when movies are released and in home video sales. Yet, we still wait for a critic who can adequately discuss these films with interest and intelligence.
11:48 Posted in Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this