It's finally here! The members of DestroyerClub had sent the two Destroyer authors questions. I think they held off until they could announce the name of the new publisher. It was put up on the site at midnight. You can read the interview here
I'm also going to copy Brian Murphy's announcement about the new publisher here. Some of that info (except for the name) had been known by Dclub members prior to the interview, but will be news to anyone who hasn't been checking the site.
Brian's announcement:
Warren Murphy announced today the signing of a multi-book contract with Tor Books, part of the St. Martin's publishing group, for the publication beginning in 2007 of the long-running Destroyer series.
The books will be written and bylined by Murphy and by James Mullaney who has written some twenty books in the series.
Murphy said the new contract is a departure from the past Destroyer contracts which generally called for four new paperbacks each year. "This contract," Murphy said, "calls for paperback and hardcover books and also plans on the release in trade paperback form of some of the earlier Destroyer novels."
"As such," Murphy added, "it's something new for us and for the Destroyer series. But it's a far different publishing world out there than the one we started out with and you either grow or go away. We've decided to grow. That'll no doubt entail startup pains and getting used to a whole new set of systems and procedures but Jim Mullaney are I are looking forward to the challenge."
The Destroyer series was begun by Richard Sapir and Murphy back in 1971. Its first publisher was Pinnacle Books, followed by N.A.L. Signet and then, for the last ten years, by Harlequin Gold Eagle of Canada. During that period, Destroyer sales reached 45 million copies worldwide and at its height, the series was published in fifteen different countries. In addition, the books are now under option in Hollywood for a new feature film.
Gold Eagle sought a book contract renewal from Murphy but he declined because, he said, "I didn't like the direction the books were taking."
The final Gold Eagle Destroyer, #145, is due out in October. The first Tor book is scheduled for release in April 2007. "We're still working on scheduling and other details but the goal is to maintain our publishing frequency as much as possible."
Murphy called himself "highly delighted" over the new contract with Tor which he called "one of the serious big-time publishers. We've been doing the Destroyers for thirty-five years and who knows? Now, as part of the Tor family, we might be doing them for another thirty-five years."
For questions or to comment on the state of the series, please utilize our forums @ www.warrenmurphy.com and www.DestroyerClub.com.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Monday, July 03, 2006
Happy Fourth
A happy Fourth of July to everyone in the U.S. A happy summer to those in the Northern hemisphere. And for anyone down below the equator? Well, warm weather's coming.
This should be an eventful week. I finally ordered DSL, after complaining about dial up and my ISP for over a year. Though I've been having trouble with the phone lines, hopefully DSL will be speedy enough even if the line crackles now and again. The installation package came today, but I'm going to hold off connecting until after the holiday. It should be easy and uncomplicated, but you never know. My friend got the same thing last month and their older computer didn't have the ethernet card to support it. They didn't have Internet access until her nephew could buy and install it. My computer is less than a year old, and I remember when I got it the booklet said it was DSL ready. I'm just hoping they meant the card as well as the connection port.
This isn't the week to lose the Internet for an extended period. The web master at DestroyerClub mailed our questions to Warren Murphy and Jim Mullaney on the 13th and I'm hoping this will be the week we get the answers. I'm guessing that maybe they've taken this long to return them for one (or both) of two reasons.
They may be writing the first new Destroyer book for the new publisher. Second, since there have been delays with the contract signing, maybe they are waiting until that's settled to return them. Some of the questions did have answers that depend on Warren being able to divulge the name of the publisher; he's already stated he doesn't want to do that until the signatures are on the dotted line.
It's a difficult wait. The next-to-last Gold Eagle Destroyer is coming out this month. I'm not looking forward to it, but I'll still buy and and try to get a little enjoyment. Even though it's like seeing old friends through a warped mirror.
This should be an eventful week. I finally ordered DSL, after complaining about dial up and my ISP for over a year. Though I've been having trouble with the phone lines, hopefully DSL will be speedy enough even if the line crackles now and again. The installation package came today, but I'm going to hold off connecting until after the holiday. It should be easy and uncomplicated, but you never know. My friend got the same thing last month and their older computer didn't have the ethernet card to support it. They didn't have Internet access until her nephew could buy and install it. My computer is less than a year old, and I remember when I got it the booklet said it was DSL ready. I'm just hoping they meant the card as well as the connection port.
This isn't the week to lose the Internet for an extended period. The web master at DestroyerClub mailed our questions to Warren Murphy and Jim Mullaney on the 13th and I'm hoping this will be the week we get the answers. I'm guessing that maybe they've taken this long to return them for one (or both) of two reasons.
They may be writing the first new Destroyer book for the new publisher. Second, since there have been delays with the contract signing, maybe they are waiting until that's settled to return them. Some of the questions did have answers that depend on Warren being able to divulge the name of the publisher; he's already stated he doesn't want to do that until the signatures are on the dotted line.
It's a difficult wait. The next-to-last Gold Eagle Destroyer is coming out this month. I'm not looking forward to it, but I'll still buy and and try to get a little enjoyment. Even though it's like seeing old friends through a warped mirror.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Dreams and nonsense
It's July already. And I was just getting used to June. The lengthening days (now on the wane again, though not noticeably yet), the cold, the copious rain. Summer in New England! Now we'll probably get searing heat and sunny days. A good thing, but it's such an abrupt turnaround.
Another silly thing:
Because everyone born on my birthday and year has exactly the same personality, intellect and struggles with the same issues.
I did have a dream the other night. I know I dream more than I can recall when I wake up. This one must have happened right on waking, which is why I remember it.
My mother and I were going to see a movie. It probably had a title, but I can only remember that Angelina Jolie was in it. Must have heard the name recently. We were in this big, modern movie megaplex, full of glass and chrome and escalators (it was seven stories). There were no signs outside the theaters to tell us what was playing, and I guess there was nobody around to ask, because we kept going into them to check. Inside, they had the name of the movie on the wall, but it was down in front on the side and was small enough that you had to go almost down to the screen to see it.
I remember in one of the theaters I left my mom at the back while I walked up front to check out the name. When I returned, she had started talking with another older women who was saying she was trying to find her movie too, and wasn't it a shame how confusing this place was. Next thing, we were on the escalator leading down to the lobby. Not sure who we asked or how we found out, but the movie we wanted to see was on the floor we had been on, but we had to go back down to the lobby to get there. Seems the megaplex was bisected down the middle, with theaters on both sides, but you could only get to the other side through the lobby. I was thinking how the architect was a sadist for making the design so awkward. Then I woke up.
Meaning? I don't know. At least it's better than my grandmother's dreams. She's always cleaning a big house.
Another silly thing:
The Hierophant often represents learning with experts or knowledgeable teachers. This card also stands for institutions and their values. The Hierophant is a symbol of the need to conform to rules or fixed situations. His appearance in a reading can show that you are struggling with a force that is not innovative, free-spirited or individual. Groups can be enriching or stifling, depending on circumstances. Sometimes we need to follow a program or embrace tradition, other times, we need to trust ourselves. |
I am The HierophantBecause everyone born on my birthday and year has exactly the same personality, intellect and struggles with the same issues.
I did have a dream the other night. I know I dream more than I can recall when I wake up. This one must have happened right on waking, which is why I remember it.
My mother and I were going to see a movie. It probably had a title, but I can only remember that Angelina Jolie was in it. Must have heard the name recently. We were in this big, modern movie megaplex, full of glass and chrome and escalators (it was seven stories). There were no signs outside the theaters to tell us what was playing, and I guess there was nobody around to ask, because we kept going into them to check. Inside, they had the name of the movie on the wall, but it was down in front on the side and was small enough that you had to go almost down to the screen to see it.
I remember in one of the theaters I left my mom at the back while I walked up front to check out the name. When I returned, she had started talking with another older women who was saying she was trying to find her movie too, and wasn't it a shame how confusing this place was. Next thing, we were on the escalator leading down to the lobby. Not sure who we asked or how we found out, but the movie we wanted to see was on the floor we had been on, but we had to go back down to the lobby to get there. Seems the megaplex was bisected down the middle, with theaters on both sides, but you could only get to the other side through the lobby. I was thinking how the architect was a sadist for making the design so awkward. Then I woke up.
Meaning? I don't know. At least it's better than my grandmother's dreams. She's always cleaning a big house.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Patience is...
for the birds!
Word came from Warren Murphy last week that he is very close to signing with a publisher. In his note to the Destroyer Club, while he couldn't tell us the name of the publisher, he did tell us that he would have total control over the content. There would be no more ghosts. Jim Mullaney would be back as author under his own byline. And, best of all, Warren's going to get back into writing them!
I'm happy for us -- the fans. We're going to get characters who are back to normal. We're going to get rid of the strange plots and one unfortunately realized secondary character.
I'm happy for Jim Mullaney. He deserves to get his name on the books. He's a great writer, not just for the Destroyer -- its characters and humor -- but for his way of writing. His style is clear and flowing and always fun to read.
And I'm especially happy for Warren Murphy. Richard Sapir, his immensely talented partner (and Chiun channeler extraordinaire), was taken away from us much too young twenty years ago. I always had the feeling the fun went out of the series for Warren. He kept the books going with ghost writers, but he never wrote much Destroyer material after that. I think writing them again will be good for him. It'll get him back writing the no-hold-barred satire of pompous asses of all political stripes, goofy social engineers, and airhead celebrities.
Until now, I’ve always considered myself a patient person. I never minded waiting for Christmas. Even now, when the first Destroyer from the new publisher is anywhere from eight to twelve months away, that doesn’t bother me. I’ll be glad when I see the first one, but it’s fun anticipating.
No, what’s bothering me is waiting for the contracts to be signed. It’s very close, but until Warren signs on the dotted line, it can never be 100%. And that’s got me frayed! Once everything is set, I’ll be set too.
Word came from Warren Murphy last week that he is very close to signing with a publisher. In his note to the Destroyer Club, while he couldn't tell us the name of the publisher, he did tell us that he would have total control over the content. There would be no more ghosts. Jim Mullaney would be back as author under his own byline. And, best of all, Warren's going to get back into writing them!
I'm happy for us -- the fans. We're going to get characters who are back to normal. We're going to get rid of the strange plots and one unfortunately realized secondary character.
I'm happy for Jim Mullaney. He deserves to get his name on the books. He's a great writer, not just for the Destroyer -- its characters and humor -- but for his way of writing. His style is clear and flowing and always fun to read.
And I'm especially happy for Warren Murphy. Richard Sapir, his immensely talented partner (and Chiun channeler extraordinaire), was taken away from us much too young twenty years ago. I always had the feeling the fun went out of the series for Warren. He kept the books going with ghost writers, but he never wrote much Destroyer material after that. I think writing them again will be good for him. It'll get him back writing the no-hold-barred satire of pompous asses of all political stripes, goofy social engineers, and airhead celebrities.
Until now, I’ve always considered myself a patient person. I never minded waiting for Christmas. Even now, when the first Destroyer from the new publisher is anywhere from eight to twelve months away, that doesn’t bother me. I’ll be glad when I see the first one, but it’s fun anticipating.
No, what’s bothering me is waiting for the contracts to be signed. It’s very close, but until Warren signs on the dotted line, it can never be 100%. And that’s got me frayed! Once everything is set, I’ll be set too.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
The DaVInci Blog
The DaVinci Code is out in paperback and the hardcover is still hanging around the bestseller lists while better and more worthy books have come and gone. The movie is coming up next month, spreading its gospel of rumors and distortions and fictional accounts of conspiracy. The Templar Legacy is on the best seller lists with its take on hidden Gnostic gospels that would demolish traditional Christian dogma. The Holy Blood, Holy Grail guys have another "nonfiction" book out beating the same dead horse that Jesus survived and married Mary Magdalene. A recent study reports Jesus may have walked on ice, not water.
And then there's Judas' gospel, "lost" for a millennium or more, that is finally seeing the light of day. It's supposed to be written in the second century, so can't be direct from the fink himself.
"God made me do it!" he whines in this gospel. "I was vital to His fulfilling the prophecy!"
Which, if true, would call into question the nature of Christ's sacrifice, making his crucifixion God playing with loaded dice instead of letting free will fulfill prophecy, demolishing (you guessed it) traditional Christian dogma.
Gnostic gospels exist. What is it in our nature that makes us eager to believe that they are concealing deep dark secrets? Why do so many want to believe they're truthful but are willing to doubt the official gospels? Doesn't that tell us more about ourselves?
It seems to make no difference that these gospels are in print, available in many book stores and over the internet. Even available in Catholic bookstores, which have no obligation to carry them.
The Council of Nicea in the fourth century put together the New Testament that we know today. They had to go through a lot of manuscripts and texts that purported to be the word of God, true accounts of Jesus' life, the Apostles' lives and works, letters and sayings, etc.
Critics and conspiracy theorists assert that they destroyed the texts that emphasized Jesus' humanity, while keeping the texts that emphasized Jesus' divinity. While that may be, if they were truly trying to determine the will of God, perhaps that was God's will. But people are much more inclined to cry coverup; some, depending on their agendas, see the jettisoned material as proof that the Church Fathers were hiding all kinds of alternate viewpoints.
Couldn't it be that a lot of the rejected material was repetitive, poorly written, obviously fraudulent, or clearly pushing someone's personal agenda? It happens in books and articles that are written about current events or figures in the news. There have been numerous books about John F. Kennedy and Winston Churchill. Does anyone accept everything each book asserts as, you'll pardon the expression, gospel? Maybe some, but many seek out various sources -- news items, eyewitness accounts, rebuttals from friends and enemies.
To get back to Mr. DaVinci. Why did he put himself in The Last Supper facing away from Christ? Did he see in the apostles cowards who turned away from Jesus in fear for their lives that night? And did he put himself in like that as a wry comment on his own weaknesses and imperfections? Or, if he was an atheist, maybe he just did it for laughs. Heck, if he was just a joker, we're lucky we didn't get Peter making rabbit ears behind Christ's back.
Did he paint them without halos to emphasize their humanity? Was this because he was giving a hidden sign that he had sympathy for the Gnostic viewpoint, who saw Jesus as human, not divine? Or was it his own personal viewpoint that Jesus, while God, still had a mortal body? Or that the apostles, about to run away in the Garden of Gethsemane, hadn't earned their halos yet?
DaVinci was a man of genius living in times dominated by Popes and kings and dukes and what have you. Was he a Gnostic? Was he an atheist? Does any of this matter today when we look at his paintings?
I think I'm going to write my own Gnostic conspiracy book. It will deal with an obscure sect of Rosicrucian’s who are the guardians of a holy relic that was suppressed by the Church in the 5th century. Yes, it's the Holy Spice Rack of Galilee -- made by our Savior himself, in his carpentry shop. It was an item of such poor quality, showing total ignorance of basic carpentry principles, that many at the Council of Nicea felt it was a fraud put forward to prove that Mary was, in fact, a single mother. Joseph was obviously not around to teach Jesus his trade, which meant he took a powder when he found out that Mary was with child, which would cast doubts about Jesus' divinity. I feel I will have a ready audience.
And then there's Judas' gospel, "lost" for a millennium or more, that is finally seeing the light of day. It's supposed to be written in the second century, so can't be direct from the fink himself.
"God made me do it!" he whines in this gospel. "I was vital to His fulfilling the prophecy!"
Which, if true, would call into question the nature of Christ's sacrifice, making his crucifixion God playing with loaded dice instead of letting free will fulfill prophecy, demolishing (you guessed it) traditional Christian dogma.
Gnostic gospels exist. What is it in our nature that makes us eager to believe that they are concealing deep dark secrets? Why do so many want to believe they're truthful but are willing to doubt the official gospels? Doesn't that tell us more about ourselves?
It seems to make no difference that these gospels are in print, available in many book stores and over the internet. Even available in Catholic bookstores, which have no obligation to carry them.
The Council of Nicea in the fourth century put together the New Testament that we know today. They had to go through a lot of manuscripts and texts that purported to be the word of God, true accounts of Jesus' life, the Apostles' lives and works, letters and sayings, etc.
Critics and conspiracy theorists assert that they destroyed the texts that emphasized Jesus' humanity, while keeping the texts that emphasized Jesus' divinity. While that may be, if they were truly trying to determine the will of God, perhaps that was God's will. But people are much more inclined to cry coverup; some, depending on their agendas, see the jettisoned material as proof that the Church Fathers were hiding all kinds of alternate viewpoints.
Couldn't it be that a lot of the rejected material was repetitive, poorly written, obviously fraudulent, or clearly pushing someone's personal agenda? It happens in books and articles that are written about current events or figures in the news. There have been numerous books about John F. Kennedy and Winston Churchill. Does anyone accept everything each book asserts as, you'll pardon the expression, gospel? Maybe some, but many seek out various sources -- news items, eyewitness accounts, rebuttals from friends and enemies.
To get back to Mr. DaVinci. Why did he put himself in The Last Supper facing away from Christ? Did he see in the apostles cowards who turned away from Jesus in fear for their lives that night? And did he put himself in like that as a wry comment on his own weaknesses and imperfections? Or, if he was an atheist, maybe he just did it for laughs. Heck, if he was just a joker, we're lucky we didn't get Peter making rabbit ears behind Christ's back.
Did he paint them without halos to emphasize their humanity? Was this because he was giving a hidden sign that he had sympathy for the Gnostic viewpoint, who saw Jesus as human, not divine? Or was it his own personal viewpoint that Jesus, while God, still had a mortal body? Or that the apostles, about to run away in the Garden of Gethsemane, hadn't earned their halos yet?
DaVinci was a man of genius living in times dominated by Popes and kings and dukes and what have you. Was he a Gnostic? Was he an atheist? Does any of this matter today when we look at his paintings?
I think I'm going to write my own Gnostic conspiracy book. It will deal with an obscure sect of Rosicrucian’s who are the guardians of a holy relic that was suppressed by the Church in the 5th century. Yes, it's the Holy Spice Rack of Galilee -- made by our Savior himself, in his carpentry shop. It was an item of such poor quality, showing total ignorance of basic carpentry principles, that many at the Council of Nicea felt it was a fraud put forward to prove that Mary was, in fact, a single mother. Joseph was obviously not around to teach Jesus his trade, which meant he took a powder when he found out that Mary was with child, which would cast doubts about Jesus' divinity. I feel I will have a ready audience.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Destroyer Movie news from Warren Murphy
Brian Murphy released this item this afternoon on Warren Murphy's Forum
Warren Murphy announced today that he had signed a Destroyer film production deal with Robert Evans independent production company in Hollywood. The deal covers film and television, as well as computer
games and merchandising, and the old man says "after quite a few years in the Destroyer doldrums, we've got a chance here of seeing something good happen."
For those who don't know, Robert Evans is a one-time actor who took over the running of Paramount Studios when the company was down the drain and on the verge of bankruptcy. In just a handful of years,
Evans produced The Odd Couple, Rosemary's Baby, Chinatown, Love Story and The Godfather, and turned Paramount into the hottest studio in town.
This is great news, though I realize it may take awhile for a movie to begin production and there are many things which can go wrong.
I'm really hoping this stirs interest for the Destroyer books with a publishing company, and that this comes sooner rather than later. The contract with Gold Eagle is up as of this year and I'd like to see the books continue on with a minimum of interruption. Even if a publisher can be found, there would be more of a gap than the usual three months Destroyer readers have become used to.
A new publisher might choose to issue only two books a year instead of four. Or they might issue two Destroyers and two spinoffs (good too!). Or four Destroyers and two spinoffs (I'm getting greedy here).
Warren Murphy announced today that he had signed a Destroyer film production deal with Robert Evans independent production company in Hollywood. The deal covers film and television, as well as computer
games and merchandising, and the old man says "after quite a few years in the Destroyer doldrums, we've got a chance here of seeing something good happen."
For those who don't know, Robert Evans is a one-time actor who took over the running of Paramount Studios when the company was down the drain and on the verge of bankruptcy. In just a handful of years,
Evans produced The Odd Couple, Rosemary's Baby, Chinatown, Love Story and The Godfather, and turned Paramount into the hottest studio in town.
This is great news, though I realize it may take awhile for a movie to begin production and there are many things which can go wrong.
I'm really hoping this stirs interest for the Destroyer books with a publishing company, and that this comes sooner rather than later. The contract with Gold Eagle is up as of this year and I'd like to see the books continue on with a minimum of interruption. Even if a publisher can be found, there would be more of a gap than the usual three months Destroyer readers have become used to.
A new publisher might choose to issue only two books a year instead of four. Or they might issue two Destroyers and two spinoffs (good too!). Or four Destroyers and two spinoffs (I'm getting greedy here).
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Windows XP
Warren Murphy has started a blog in the forums of his website. A few weeks ago, amid many other things, he mentioned his hatred of and frustration with Windows XP. Most of his frustration was not being able to find things, which are spread out in odd ways. And always being asked what to open a program with when he clicks on it.
I don't have too many problems opening things, since I mostly work with Open Office documents. When you save a new OO document, if you type .odt after the title you choose, it opens up in OO automatically when you need to view it again. I do have a problem choosing media stuff, but I generally know what to go with. The new Harry Potter movie had me downloading something called InterActual, which isn't a very good DVD player. I gave up trying to view anything on it and opened it in Windows Media center, which worked fine.
Last night, for some reason, I decided to go beyond what usually comes up when I click on Programs (Windows XP usually only shows you the programs you use most frequently). I got into "Windows Digital Media Enhancements," which looked interesting. Though, like Warren has pointed out, why it's so far away from "Media Center" which is under Accessories? It's all media, isn't it?
Anyway, under WDME (I'm not going to keep typing that whole thing out!), they've put a program that allows you to convert audio files to the Windows format (.wma), and a program that prints a label for your CD and CD case.
Thirdly, it has a "Party Mode" which is basically a full screen skin for your Windows Media Player. That was a little frightening. I turned it on and couldn't find a way to get out of it, so I had to click on control/alt/delete. When I went back to the Settings screen, there's supposed to be a little X somewhere that removes you from the party, but I don't recall seeing it the first time and I'm not going back to check. The big window with the randomization setting in my player is enough for me.
Now, for the last and creepiest thing. WDME has something called Windows Dancer. When you click on it a little dancing woman appears in the bottom left hand corner of your screen. The general operating question here is: why? Who thought this up? Is this so lonely people won't have to dance by themselves? Or in case you feel like having a party and everyone's busy?
When I see these things, I feel just like one of the Beverly Hillbillies, trying to figure out the billyard room and the cement pond.
"Granny! Uncle Jed! There's a little woman dancin' on the screen!"
"Weee-el doggie!"
"Jed! Jed!! Get that 'lil goomer off the screen!"
I felt bad for her dancing away to nothing, so I opened my WMP and opened a song. I'm Alright isn't exactly the hip hop she seems to be bopping to, but it'll have to do. It's more suitable than The Donkey Serenade or O Holy Night.
It's good to know that Microsoft is gearing it's Windows for parties. When you're dancing, programs don't need to make sense. Items don't have to be near similar items.
I don't have too many problems opening things, since I mostly work with Open Office documents. When you save a new OO document, if you type .odt after the title you choose, it opens up in OO automatically when you need to view it again. I do have a problem choosing media stuff, but I generally know what to go with. The new Harry Potter movie had me downloading something called InterActual, which isn't a very good DVD player. I gave up trying to view anything on it and opened it in Windows Media center, which worked fine.
Last night, for some reason, I decided to go beyond what usually comes up when I click on Programs (Windows XP usually only shows you the programs you use most frequently). I got into "Windows Digital Media Enhancements," which looked interesting. Though, like Warren has pointed out, why it's so far away from "Media Center" which is under Accessories? It's all media, isn't it?
Anyway, under WDME (I'm not going to keep typing that whole thing out!), they've put a program that allows you to convert audio files to the Windows format (.wma), and a program that prints a label for your CD and CD case.
Thirdly, it has a "Party Mode" which is basically a full screen skin for your Windows Media Player. That was a little frightening. I turned it on and couldn't find a way to get out of it, so I had to click on control/alt/delete. When I went back to the Settings screen, there's supposed to be a little X somewhere that removes you from the party, but I don't recall seeing it the first time and I'm not going back to check. The big window with the randomization setting in my player is enough for me.
Now, for the last and creepiest thing. WDME has something called Windows Dancer. When you click on it a little dancing woman appears in the bottom left hand corner of your screen. The general operating question here is: why? Who thought this up? Is this so lonely people won't have to dance by themselves? Or in case you feel like having a party and everyone's busy?
When I see these things, I feel just like one of the Beverly Hillbillies, trying to figure out the billyard room and the cement pond.
"Granny! Uncle Jed! There's a little woman dancin' on the screen!"
"Weee-el doggie!"
"Jed! Jed!! Get that 'lil goomer off the screen!"
I felt bad for her dancing away to nothing, so I opened my WMP and opened a song. I'm Alright isn't exactly the hip hop she seems to be bopping to, but it'll have to do. It's more suitable than The Donkey Serenade or O Holy Night.
It's good to know that Microsoft is gearing it's Windows for parties. When you're dancing, programs don't need to make sense. Items don't have to be near similar items.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Pathetic Losers
A few friends and I have been having a little problem recently with hackers. Saturday when I went to my website all the news items on my home page, which I have been using as a blog, were gone. No one took credit, though.
Shortly before that, my friend Jerry had a small hacking problem also, though they left something in place of what they'd hacked, and most of his home page and everything else was left intact.
Now tonight, when I go to my site, everything looks normal, except when I go to my forum, the only other place on the site where I have any content, and not only is it missing, but there's something left in place. Bragging by the pathetic losers who have too much time on their hands and whose mommies should be monitoring their Internet access more closely. Unfortunately, Jerry's site has been hit by the same people and I can't access it at all. And Jim's is the same. So I don't know how much they're going to end up losing.
The really pathetic part of this is, we're all such small, untrafficked web sites. Jerry says a mutual friend wrote to him saying it looks like someone's targeting us personally. And that Dclub, a web site we all belong to and administer, might be a future target.
Jerry says he's going to take precautions before that happens. Dclub just finished being restored and doesn't need to take another hit, though thanks to the recent problem, everything's backed up and certain sections are also being saved off site for greater protection.
I'm not sad for my site. The forum contained some fan fiction I've written, and I've got them all saved to disc anyway. And the blogs they hit, thanks to my tendency to cross-post, and write them up in Open Office before posting, can be restored fairly easily too. The worst that could be lost on Jim's site is his thoughts on the Destroyer books he wrote, but Jerry says that's saved off site too. Jerry has more on his site, though, and hopefully that won't be lost.
If it should turn out to be a disgruntled Dclub member, he/she probably isn't a regular. I'm certainly not going to let this make me paranoid. Most of the regulars are frequent posters, or long time members and I don't see any one of them having this level of childishness and viciousness.
Shortly before that, my friend Jerry had a small hacking problem also, though they left something in place of what they'd hacked, and most of his home page and everything else was left intact.
Now tonight, when I go to my site, everything looks normal, except when I go to my forum, the only other place on the site where I have any content, and not only is it missing, but there's something left in place. Bragging by the pathetic losers who have too much time on their hands and whose mommies should be monitoring their Internet access more closely. Unfortunately, Jerry's site has been hit by the same people and I can't access it at all. And Jim's is the same. So I don't know how much they're going to end up losing.
The really pathetic part of this is, we're all such small, untrafficked web sites. Jerry says a mutual friend wrote to him saying it looks like someone's targeting us personally. And that Dclub, a web site we all belong to and administer, might be a future target.
Jerry says he's going to take precautions before that happens. Dclub just finished being restored and doesn't need to take another hit, though thanks to the recent problem, everything's backed up and certain sections are also being saved off site for greater protection.
I'm not sad for my site. The forum contained some fan fiction I've written, and I've got them all saved to disc anyway. And the blogs they hit, thanks to my tendency to cross-post, and write them up in Open Office before posting, can be restored fairly easily too. The worst that could be lost on Jim's site is his thoughts on the Destroyer books he wrote, but Jerry says that's saved off site too. Jerry has more on his site, though, and hopefully that won't be lost.
If it should turn out to be a disgruntled Dclub member, he/she probably isn't a regular. I'm certainly not going to let this make me paranoid. Most of the regulars are frequent posters, or long time members and I don't see any one of them having this level of childishness and viciousness.
Monday, March 13, 2006
This and That
Slow week. Was sick during much of it. Not real sick; just enough to be uncomfortable and sleepy because I kept waking up coughing and choking.
Good week in that it started with a pleasant surprise: Brian Murphy finally got Warren Murphy's forum back up. You could read the old posts, but couldn't post anything new since the day after Christmas. He changed to PHP BB, which is better than what they had, and created separate forums for each of Warren's books and series.
Then he created a forum for Warren to write blogs in, along with a forum for our comments. No blogs as yet, but I'm hopeful. Warren did write in saying he might have some news on the Destroyer front. I hope it's got a new publisher.
The DestroyerClub's forum came back on line too. It's only been down for three weeks, but that's still too long. There was a time when it looked like all the posts would be lost, which would be annoying. There was also a possibility that we'd lose the member's list, which would have been a real inconvenience. Anyone who wanted to post or get into some sections would have had to register again.
But none of that happened. The admins decided to start anew by locking the old forum and opening up a new one, with the same topics pretty much as the old one. It's been going good so far. A few of the regulars aren't back, but I know one is off line and the other's pretty busy in his off line life, so they should be back too someday.
***********
Read a pretty good book, unusual type for me, but I try to read something in a genre I wouldn't usually pick up. That's the good thing about a large and well stocked library. You can take chances when you're just borrowing.
Prayers for the Assassin is set in the near future. In 2015 nuclear bombs that destroyed NYC, Washington, DC, and Mecca are blamed on Israel. Civil war breaks out in the United States.
Twenty five years later, the nation is divided into the Islamic controlled North and the Bible Belt South. Most of the population of the Islamic Republic are moderate or modern Islamics, but the hard line fundamentalists have power beyond their numbers, and the Christian minority are discriminated against.
Then a historian uncovers evidence that Israel might not have been responsible, which would destabilize the nation and the world. When she goes missing, her uncle calls his former ward, Rakkim -- who is also her lover -- to find her. Other people are looking for her too, including a psychotic assassin who was in the same elite unit as Rakkim. Will Rakkim find her first? Together, will they survive reveal the secret?
Good paced thriller, not too violent (I'm squeamish). The hero and heroine here are Muslims, as are most of the major characters, including the villains. It's not a Muslim bashing book; though a fundamentalists is a bad guy, another one is not, and the psycho assassin only recognizes one god -- himself.
**************
I also found out that starting next Friday the Scifi channel is finally bringing Dr. Who to US audiences. I used to watch the parts of the old series when they played on PBS many years ago. They only played the Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker episodes. Fun cheesy special effects and simple plots (it was a children's series after all). Fun to watch.
There was a movie several years ago that updated the series and went nowhere. It was ok, as far as I can remember.
Scifi is showing the first year of the new series. If it's any good, I hope they go on to show the next year's episodes. There's a new Doctor the second year. I've heard good things about it; will enjoy checking it out.
Good week in that it started with a pleasant surprise: Brian Murphy finally got Warren Murphy's forum back up. You could read the old posts, but couldn't post anything new since the day after Christmas. He changed to PHP BB, which is better than what they had, and created separate forums for each of Warren's books and series.
Then he created a forum for Warren to write blogs in, along with a forum for our comments. No blogs as yet, but I'm hopeful. Warren did write in saying he might have some news on the Destroyer front. I hope it's got a new publisher.
The DestroyerClub's forum came back on line too. It's only been down for three weeks, but that's still too long. There was a time when it looked like all the posts would be lost, which would be annoying. There was also a possibility that we'd lose the member's list, which would have been a real inconvenience. Anyone who wanted to post or get into some sections would have had to register again.
But none of that happened. The admins decided to start anew by locking the old forum and opening up a new one, with the same topics pretty much as the old one. It's been going good so far. A few of the regulars aren't back, but I know one is off line and the other's pretty busy in his off line life, so they should be back too someday.
Read a pretty good book, unusual type for me, but I try to read something in a genre I wouldn't usually pick up. That's the good thing about a large and well stocked library. You can take chances when you're just borrowing.
Prayers for the Assassin is set in the near future. In 2015 nuclear bombs that destroyed NYC, Washington, DC, and Mecca are blamed on Israel. Civil war breaks out in the United States.
Twenty five years later, the nation is divided into the Islamic controlled North and the Bible Belt South. Most of the population of the Islamic Republic are moderate or modern Islamics, but the hard line fundamentalists have power beyond their numbers, and the Christian minority are discriminated against.
Then a historian uncovers evidence that Israel might not have been responsible, which would destabilize the nation and the world. When she goes missing, her uncle calls his former ward, Rakkim -- who is also her lover -- to find her. Other people are looking for her too, including a psychotic assassin who was in the same elite unit as Rakkim. Will Rakkim find her first? Together, will they survive reveal the secret?
Good paced thriller, not too violent (I'm squeamish). The hero and heroine here are Muslims, as are most of the major characters, including the villains. It's not a Muslim bashing book; though a fundamentalists is a bad guy, another one is not, and the psycho assassin only recognizes one god -- himself.
I also found out that starting next Friday the Scifi channel is finally bringing Dr. Who to US audiences. I used to watch the parts of the old series when they played on PBS many years ago. They only played the Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker episodes. Fun cheesy special effects and simple plots (it was a children's series after all). Fun to watch.
There was a movie several years ago that updated the series and went nowhere. It was ok, as far as I can remember.
Scifi is showing the first year of the new series. If it's any good, I hope they go on to show the next year's episodes. There's a new Doctor the second year. I've heard good things about it; will enjoy checking it out.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Workshop with Tom Coughlin
Tom Coughlin, a native of my city who writes books set locally, was at my city library tonight giving a talk on successful self publishing.
My book is only on its first edit, and I don't know what I'll do with it -- try to get an agent to look at it, try to self publish, shelve it and write a second, better book. But I have a theory that it's better to know as much as possible about as many things as possible. Since I've started writing seriously, I've been reading all the books on writing and publishing I can get hold of, visiting author's web sites, writing web sites, picking up stray bits of info wherever I can find them.
If what I've learned never benefits me, it might help someone else, so I'll pass along a little of tonight's talk here.
First, the three things that prompt a reader to buy: a cover that is bright and catches the eye, a good title, and a reasonable cover price.
Three things that a store owner looks for: cover and price also. But also if it is set locally, the bookseller figures it'll pique the interest of natives and tourists (if it's a place that has a bit of a tourist trade).
If you're shopping your book around locally, don't just hit bookstores. Try gift shops, restaurants. If your book is the only one in the shop, it stands out. Big chains don't buy self published books as a rule, but a few of them have managers who are willing to give your book a chance. Be prepared to do a bit of traveling and promotion to get your books in as many outlets as you can within the area where your book is set.
Autograph as many of your books as you can before you bring them around to stores. Invest in a roll of stickers that say they're autographed and get those on the front of the book. Make up promotional posters featuring the book's cover and ask around in shops if you can put them up in the window.
If 6x9 paperbacks sell for $14.95 generally, try to sell yours for a little less. Don't sell for more; you're trying to get people to buy an unknown author.
Of course, you still won't make a profit unless you work hard and write the best book you can. And let people you trust and who are in the know about these things read the book and tell you honestly whether your book is good enough to make an investment of time and money worth while.
And it does take a bit of money. Print on Demand isn't as good if you're going to put them in local bookstores and shops locally. You don't get a discount for bulk. However, if you're going through a printer, you have to buy a minimum -- usually about 3300 books. Even with a discount, it adds up.
For example, my Nano book would cost me $8 a copy if I'd wanted more than the free one. Multiply that by the number you'd have to purchase if you wanted to get maybe five or six copies in several dozen local outlets. Say 48. That would be $384. But with a printer who offers a discount for bulk, that same book might cost me $2.95 apiece for 3300 copies. That's $9735.
Say you sell your book for $13.95. You'd have to sell at least 698 books to break even. You would only have to sell 27 of your POD printed book. But firstly, that's a much higher percentage of sales -- over half your POD stock as opposed to less than 1/3 of your bulk stock. Second, you'd be selling in much fewer places, making it harder to sell even that many.
And that won't happen unless you're out hustling. People aren't going to be beating down your door unless by some miracle Oprah gets hold of a copy. Even if she hates it, the curiosity factor alone would make it a success! Well, we can dream.
I haven't even touched on cover art and the cost to hire a good artist or photographer. Unless you're an artist, or know someone willing to work for a credit in the book, that's probably a few thousand dollars.
Print on Demand is probably best if you sell just through the POD's online site. At least initially, it might let you know if the book gets a good reception, if you hear back from a buyer who doesn't know you personally, just bought the book because it sounded good.
To wrap up, a very good talk, many points raised to think about. I thought Mr. Coughlin should have brought some of his books for us to purchase, but he said he just wanted to give the talk with no strings attached. I think I'll buy at least one of his books though. He was a teenager in the sixties while I was under ten. He probably has a much clearer memory of the stores and restaurants from then than I do.
Let's see... Bon Marche, Sparks. The Dutch Tearoom. I remember the murals there... MacQuades. I think I've got that spelling right.
My book is only on its first edit, and I don't know what I'll do with it -- try to get an agent to look at it, try to self publish, shelve it and write a second, better book. But I have a theory that it's better to know as much as possible about as many things as possible. Since I've started writing seriously, I've been reading all the books on writing and publishing I can get hold of, visiting author's web sites, writing web sites, picking up stray bits of info wherever I can find them.
If what I've learned never benefits me, it might help someone else, so I'll pass along a little of tonight's talk here.
First, the three things that prompt a reader to buy: a cover that is bright and catches the eye, a good title, and a reasonable cover price.
Three things that a store owner looks for: cover and price also. But also if it is set locally, the bookseller figures it'll pique the interest of natives and tourists (if it's a place that has a bit of a tourist trade).
If you're shopping your book around locally, don't just hit bookstores. Try gift shops, restaurants. If your book is the only one in the shop, it stands out. Big chains don't buy self published books as a rule, but a few of them have managers who are willing to give your book a chance. Be prepared to do a bit of traveling and promotion to get your books in as many outlets as you can within the area where your book is set.
Autograph as many of your books as you can before you bring them around to stores. Invest in a roll of stickers that say they're autographed and get those on the front of the book. Make up promotional posters featuring the book's cover and ask around in shops if you can put them up in the window.
If 6x9 paperbacks sell for $14.95 generally, try to sell yours for a little less. Don't sell for more; you're trying to get people to buy an unknown author.
Of course, you still won't make a profit unless you work hard and write the best book you can. And let people you trust and who are in the know about these things read the book and tell you honestly whether your book is good enough to make an investment of time and money worth while.
And it does take a bit of money. Print on Demand isn't as good if you're going to put them in local bookstores and shops locally. You don't get a discount for bulk. However, if you're going through a printer, you have to buy a minimum -- usually about 3300 books. Even with a discount, it adds up.
For example, my Nano book would cost me $8 a copy if I'd wanted more than the free one. Multiply that by the number you'd have to purchase if you wanted to get maybe five or six copies in several dozen local outlets. Say 48. That would be $384. But with a printer who offers a discount for bulk, that same book might cost me $2.95 apiece for 3300 copies. That's $9735.
Say you sell your book for $13.95. You'd have to sell at least 698 books to break even. You would only have to sell 27 of your POD printed book. But firstly, that's a much higher percentage of sales -- over half your POD stock as opposed to less than 1/3 of your bulk stock. Second, you'd be selling in much fewer places, making it harder to sell even that many.
And that won't happen unless you're out hustling. People aren't going to be beating down your door unless by some miracle Oprah gets hold of a copy. Even if she hates it, the curiosity factor alone would make it a success! Well, we can dream.
I haven't even touched on cover art and the cost to hire a good artist or photographer. Unless you're an artist, or know someone willing to work for a credit in the book, that's probably a few thousand dollars.
Print on Demand is probably best if you sell just through the POD's online site. At least initially, it might let you know if the book gets a good reception, if you hear back from a buyer who doesn't know you personally, just bought the book because it sounded good.
To wrap up, a very good talk, many points raised to think about. I thought Mr. Coughlin should have brought some of his books for us to purchase, but he said he just wanted to give the talk with no strings attached. I think I'll buy at least one of his books though. He was a teenager in the sixties while I was under ten. He probably has a much clearer memory of the stores and restaurants from then than I do.
Let's see... Bon Marche, Sparks. The Dutch Tearoom. I remember the murals there... MacQuades. I think I've got that spelling right.
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