Interview with E. J. Runyon

Tell Me How to Write a Story by E. J. Runyon
Tell Me How to Write a Story by E. J. Runyon

NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) is upon us–a 50,000 word mad sprint through November to complete the first draft of the story that you’ve been thinking you’d write someday.

Well someday is here. Continue reading “Interview with E. J. Runyon”

Entered a Short Story Contest

I’ve had a short story that I dearly enjoyed writing. It has been in my proverbial drawer for quite some time. I’ve put off submitting it anywhere, wanting to focus on finishing my novel’s revisions. But this year, I’ve decided to find a home for the story, I’ve titled, “A Hundred Years’ War.” It’s about 1,100 words and sets up a humorous ending.

So my first try will be Metaphysical Circus Press, which held a short story contest for new voices. Originally slated to close in February, I believe, the contest deadline was extended to March 15 due to insufficient quality entries. So today, I’ve submitted my entry and hope that I make the cut.

Wish me luck!

Philip K. Dick on Blade Runner

Wandering aimlessly through the blogs can be worthwhile. Came across a post that links to a letter written by Philip K. Dick on the (then) forthcoming film Blade Runner.

Wandering aimlessly through the blogs can be worthwhile. Came across a post that links to a letter written by Philip K. Dick on the (then) forthcoming film Blade Runner, directed by Ridley Scott. The sci-fi author of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, the shory story that inspired the movie, wrote approvingly of the adaptation.

I’m not certain if the movie attained the commerical and critical success Dick predicted, but I am certainly a fan of the movie which starred Harrison Ford. To call it a sci-fi movie I think risks alienating a larger audience that would otherwise appreciate the beautifiully shot scenes, wonderful performances and timeless question that asks What Makes Us Human? It’s a question that I come back to in my novel. This prompts me to add Dick’s story to my reading list. I’ve intended to read it for some time.

A bit of trivia I had heard: actor Rutger Hauer, who plays Roy Batty in the movie, wrote the soliloquy in his final scene. It really is a great movie of any genre.

Have you read Electric Sheep or seen Blade Runner? What do you think?

Tea-length Dresses and Cubicle-length Sleeves

Attended the monthly writing group meeting at the library. One member shared her editor’s copious notes.

Attended the monthly writing group meeting at the library. One member shared her editor’s copious notes. The remarks were thorough and helpful and I look forward to using this editor one day. Another member is using her now and promises to share next time. He has already emailed us a copy of the complete novel — a nautical adventure set in the 1870s. We had only been reviewing his work piecemeal and often out of order, so it will be great to see the whole novel.

My short piece, “Full Moon Lament,” was reviewed again. My revisions improved the work and they encouraged me to go look for a publisher. I’ll be spending this week, at least, looking for short story publications to submit to. I suppose the story can be summarized as a tongue-in-cheek twist on the werewolf tale.

Hopefully I can report good news here!