"In my experience, there is only one motivation, and that is desire. No reasons or principle contain it or stand against it."
— Jane Smiley: Pulitzer Prize—winning American novelist
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Human Character: Perceived Overconfidence in Competencies in Writing by Nonwriters
From LI-Game Writing Group:
Voicing concerns: the problem with video game acting
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/gamesblog/2010/mar/16/games-controversy
Why are modern video games still having problems with voice acting? And what can be done to solve them? Gamesblog investigates...
"Although the videogame industry loves to compare itself with the movie business, and clearly has ambitions to become the story-telling medium of the 21st century, poor vocal performances are common, even among Triple A titles. In the last few months Aliens vs Predator, Army of Two: 40th Day and even Final Fantasy XIII have drawn criticism in the areas of scripting and performance. So what's going on?..."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/gamesblog/2010/mar/16/games-controversy
====================
Programmers think they can write a great narrative or at least a good one, but it's much harder than they can do. Much like me, or most writers, learning the mind-numbing, confusing bits of code (months and years' worth) that go into background scripting.
Hiring out at Elance and Guru, I've done the Heartwild Solitaire and Margrave Manor story, character, and dialog parts. There is a skill to it, to visualize the many layers past a few smart-assed things to say. To put a kernel seed of intrigue that juices a gamer to hurry to the next story development.
And sometimes the character's most important narrative is to say nothing.
Programmers don't know that, or can't do it skillfully, many beginning writers or even older writers can't--I've seen their films, games, and novels.
Comics are pretty but can't tell the involved subtlety within stories Spidey, Superman, and the rest tell, without Stan Lee and all those who write and design the narrative.
A professional journalist hired me recently to develop and polish a fiction synopsis of some life events because writing important facts we need to know in an information article isn't the same as writing intriguing, depth-filled fiction.
Those who don't do what we've trained for years and do everyday, and are still learning to perfect better and better believe wrong, and believe the narrative is simple, and can be--if written well. And well-edited by the writer.
Most who aren't writers can't write well nor can stand to edit until it's layered, and deeper, and clearer. We do.
You need an artist to make great art, so why does everyone who's ever read one stanza of Shakespeare, five thousand comic books, and watched a lifetime of TV and film actually think and believe they can crank out the next stunning story? Even producers, directors, and actors can't. They do what they, let us do what we do, sooner and better, instead of making us come late to the party and do patch up?
It's amazing, stultifying, and bad for business. TV's Lost proves that people can handle a great deal of subtle info and character detail. The last WGA writer's strike proved we generate mega money and can kill it, if we aren't in the game.
We're in the game, let us write it.
--Neale Sourna
Voicing concerns: the problem with video game acting
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/gamesblog/2010/mar/16/games-controversy
Why are modern video games still having problems with voice acting? And what can be done to solve them? Gamesblog investigates...
"Although the videogame industry loves to compare itself with the movie business, and clearly has ambitions to become the story-telling medium of the 21st century, poor vocal performances are common, even among Triple A titles. In the last few months Aliens vs Predator, Army of Two: 40th Day and even Final Fantasy XIII have drawn criticism in the areas of scripting and performance. So what's going on?..."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/gamesblog/2010/mar/16/games-controversy
====================
Programmers think they can write a great narrative or at least a good one, but it's much harder than they can do. Much like me, or most writers, learning the mind-numbing, confusing bits of code (months and years' worth) that go into background scripting.
Hiring out at Elance and Guru, I've done the Heartwild Solitaire and Margrave Manor story, character, and dialog parts. There is a skill to it, to visualize the many layers past a few smart-assed things to say. To put a kernel seed of intrigue that juices a gamer to hurry to the next story development.
And sometimes the character's most important narrative is to say nothing.
Programmers don't know that, or can't do it skillfully, many beginning writers or even older writers can't--I've seen their films, games, and novels.
Comics are pretty but can't tell the involved subtlety within stories Spidey, Superman, and the rest tell, without Stan Lee and all those who write and design the narrative.
A professional journalist hired me recently to develop and polish a fiction synopsis of some life events because writing important facts we need to know in an information article isn't the same as writing intriguing, depth-filled fiction.
Those who don't do what we've trained for years and do everyday, and are still learning to perfect better and better believe wrong, and believe the narrative is simple, and can be--if written well. And well-edited by the writer.
Most who aren't writers can't write well nor can stand to edit until it's layered, and deeper, and clearer. We do.
You need an artist to make great art, so why does everyone who's ever read one stanza of Shakespeare, five thousand comic books, and watched a lifetime of TV and film actually think and believe they can crank out the next stunning story? Even producers, directors, and actors can't. They do what they, let us do what we do, sooner and better, instead of making us come late to the party and do patch up?
It's amazing, stultifying, and bad for business. TV's Lost proves that people can handle a great deal of subtle info and character detail. The last WGA writer's strike proved we generate mega money and can kill it, if we aren't in the game.
We're in the game, let us write it.
--Neale Sourna
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
RE: A Cautionary Tale for the Aspiring Novelist From: warrenadler.com
A Cautionary Tale for the Aspiring Novelist
From: warrenadler.com | May 17, 2010
It has always been difficult for an aspiring novelist to get published by a traditional publisher. By novelist, I mean those who write mainstream novels that do not fall into any genre slot. The revolution in publishing and the b... Read more at warrenadler.com
================================
Traditional publishing is lost, at present. Change is already here, and NYC and other trad publishing centers are cranking boring and poorly executed materials: no proofing, no sense, no drama, bad continuity.
In fiction and nonfiction.
Author publishers can have these errors, too, but they, we, don't claim to be the great leaders, while yet lost, following a form that no longer suits the day, nor can be maintained, as they lay off and fire those who can proof, and find sense, and encourage drama, and notice the gaps of continuity.
The 1930s are over, but the traditional goals of that day are still here, dragging, dragging, dragging.
I make more sales with ebook fiction than paperbacks of the same. I write materials that have too many multi-ethnic characters, too much sex, and characters who are too deeply layered.
Well, I like character. My friends and family have deeply layered characters. I like sex, whether its in action or merely thought. And most everyone else does, too, although they pretend otherwise. I rather have my characters have character-driven sexual action than murder after graphic murder.
But that makes me in my own niche triangulated between Zane and D. Gabaldon and E. Bronte. They don't know what to do with people like us, who aren't writing stereotypes.
Plus, few trads let you have control of your covers, your full story text, its layout style, and like eighty-ninety percent of the income your work generates; the rest folding back into software, marketing, etc.
The trads can give you a huge push, but they also can pull you out of the bookstore and make your book disappear all in the same year, because they have someone else's book product to move. I've seen that.
Is that worth it?
"Eragon," I'm told, was author published, if that's true, that's good. A long shot but a hit just the same.
And plenty of authors who've gone the trad route are generally "unknown" names. Not to be rude but I've heard of the "War of the Roses," but not your name, Warren. But, now I do. Most don't put themselves out there, like S. J. Cannell and J. Patterson.
But what, to me is most important is to it, those of us who actually write, who actually complete a book, and edit it until it gleams like fine silk, and publish it into the minds of world get paid, by income and requests for "more...."
Most actors and musicians don't make enough to live off, perhaps, writers should understand that most of us fall into that, as well. But, while others have steadier incomes, they'll never be able to do what we do, or get into the innermost feelings of others as we do.
--Neale Sourna at LinkedIn, Affiliated Authors
From: warrenadler.com | May 17, 2010
It has always been difficult for an aspiring novelist to get published by a traditional publisher. By novelist, I mean those who write mainstream novels that do not fall into any genre slot. The revolution in publishing and the b... Read more at warrenadler.com
================================
Traditional publishing is lost, at present. Change is already here, and NYC and other trad publishing centers are cranking boring and poorly executed materials: no proofing, no sense, no drama, bad continuity.
In fiction and nonfiction.
Author publishers can have these errors, too, but they, we, don't claim to be the great leaders, while yet lost, following a form that no longer suits the day, nor can be maintained, as they lay off and fire those who can proof, and find sense, and encourage drama, and notice the gaps of continuity.
The 1930s are over, but the traditional goals of that day are still here, dragging, dragging, dragging.
I make more sales with ebook fiction than paperbacks of the same. I write materials that have too many multi-ethnic characters, too much sex, and characters who are too deeply layered.
Well, I like character. My friends and family have deeply layered characters. I like sex, whether its in action or merely thought. And most everyone else does, too, although they pretend otherwise. I rather have my characters have character-driven sexual action than murder after graphic murder.
But that makes me in my own niche triangulated between Zane and D. Gabaldon and E. Bronte. They don't know what to do with people like us, who aren't writing stereotypes.
Plus, few trads let you have control of your covers, your full story text, its layout style, and like eighty-ninety percent of the income your work generates; the rest folding back into software, marketing, etc.
The trads can give you a huge push, but they also can pull you out of the bookstore and make your book disappear all in the same year, because they have someone else's book product to move. I've seen that.
Is that worth it?
"Eragon," I'm told, was author published, if that's true, that's good. A long shot but a hit just the same.
And plenty of authors who've gone the trad route are generally "unknown" names. Not to be rude but I've heard of the "War of the Roses," but not your name, Warren. But, now I do. Most don't put themselves out there, like S. J. Cannell and J. Patterson.
But what, to me is most important is to it, those of us who actually write, who actually complete a book, and edit it until it gleams like fine silk, and publish it into the minds of world get paid, by income and requests for "more...."
Most actors and musicians don't make enough to live off, perhaps, writers should understand that most of us fall into that, as well. But, while others have steadier incomes, they'll never be able to do what we do, or get into the innermost feelings of others as we do.
--Neale Sourna at LinkedIn, Affiliated Authors
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Casting gender-bender: Why shouldn't male roles be rewritten for femme stars? by TATIANA SIEGEL
Posted: Sat., May 15, 2010, 4:00am PT
Casting gender-bender
Why shouldn't male roles be rewritten for femme stars?
By TATIANA SIEGEL
• Helen Mirren joins Russell Brand in 'Arthur' Remake
Hollywood may be running low on good roles for women [not even trying--NS], but that hasn't stopped female thesps from landing a few good parts anyway.
Helen Mirren is the latest leading lady to have a role intended for a man be rewritten for a woman. She recently inked a deal to play the butler opposite Russell Brand's troubled millionaire in Warner Bros.' remake of "Arthur." This is no thankless sidekick role -- John Gielgud's performance in the 1981 comedy earned him an supporting Oscar.
Universal is toying with the idea of taking its Jason Bourne franchise in a new direction. Who says Zoe Saldana couldn't relaunch the action-loaded series as, say, Jessica Bourne?
Though Alexandre Dumas envisioned his Three Musketeers as young men, why not retool with Kristen Stewart, Miley Cyrus and Dakota Fanning as the trio taking on the evil Cardinal Richelieu? (Warner Bros. and Summit might want to consider as a way to differentiate their competing projects).
And while Columbia waits for Will Smith to decide if he's making a new "Men in Black," the studio could summon a quick rewrite for a female agent Jay as a back-up plan. Sandra Bullock would pack them in, and she's probably available ... thanks to the dearth of worthy roles for women.
For Mirren, it was the second time in as many years that the actress signed up for man's work. She also took on the role of Prospero (er Prospera) for Julie Taymor's bigscreen adaptation of Shakespeare's "The Tempest."
Similarly, fellow Oscar-winner Angelina Jolie did some gender bending by nabbing the lead in Columbia Pictures' spy actioner "Salt" (Tom Cruise was originally poised to topline).
Can other actresses leverage their clout to demand a sex change for Hollywood's plum roles?
Contact Tatiana Siegel at tatiana.siegel@variety.com.
Casting gender-bender
Why shouldn't male roles be rewritten for femme stars?
By TATIANA SIEGEL
• Helen Mirren joins Russell Brand in 'Arthur' Remake
Hollywood may be running low on good roles for women [not even trying--NS], but that hasn't stopped female thesps from landing a few good parts anyway.
Helen Mirren is the latest leading lady to have a role intended for a man be rewritten for a woman. She recently inked a deal to play the butler opposite Russell Brand's troubled millionaire in Warner Bros.' remake of "Arthur." This is no thankless sidekick role -- John Gielgud's performance in the 1981 comedy earned him an supporting Oscar.
Universal is toying with the idea of taking its Jason Bourne franchise in a new direction. Who says Zoe Saldana couldn't relaunch the action-loaded series as, say, Jessica Bourne?
Though Alexandre Dumas envisioned his Three Musketeers as young men, why not retool with Kristen Stewart, Miley Cyrus and Dakota Fanning as the trio taking on the evil Cardinal Richelieu? (Warner Bros. and Summit might want to consider as a way to differentiate their competing projects).
And while Columbia waits for Will Smith to decide if he's making a new "Men in Black," the studio could summon a quick rewrite for a female agent Jay as a back-up plan. Sandra Bullock would pack them in, and she's probably available ... thanks to the dearth of worthy roles for women.
For Mirren, it was the second time in as many years that the actress signed up for man's work. She also took on the role of Prospero (er Prospera) for Julie Taymor's bigscreen adaptation of Shakespeare's "The Tempest."
Similarly, fellow Oscar-winner Angelina Jolie did some gender bending by nabbing the lead in Columbia Pictures' spy actioner "Salt" (Tom Cruise was originally poised to topline).
Can other actresses leverage their clout to demand a sex change for Hollywood's plum roles?
Contact Tatiana Siegel at tatiana.siegel@variety.com.
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Male Character: 10 Places You're Guaranteed to Meet Men by Carly Spindel
Have female characters or femininely gay guy searching for men? Here are a few places they can go to find men, in your novel, short story, or screenplay.
--Neale Sourna
-------------------------------------
[StyleCaster, on Fri Apr 30, 2010 6:23am PDT]
Meeting the opposite sex isn't the easiest feat – especially when you work in femme-heavy fashion – but here's a compilation of some handy and perhaps unexpected tips to cross paths with Mr. Right.
1. Eat Out
Busy, single men don’t have time to cook. This is why they need a girlfriend! Just kidding. However, when they are tired and hungry after work, they dine out at restaurants. So if you want to meet a new man, try a new restaurant at least once a week.
2. Join a Gym
Gyms are places where all body conscious men go to let off some steam. If you meet a man at the gym you can see what he really looks like when he’s all sweaty. If he looks good in gym clothes, he’ll look great in real clothes. People who work out are also much happier (translation: a better partner to be with).
3. Pay Attention To Your Pet
The sun is out and love is in the air. People are outside enjoying the weather. Take the opportunity to give your dog some extra attention and go to the park. If you don’t have a dog, borrow one. Many men think of dogs as soul mates (who else better understands their zest for the simple things in life?) and will often frequent dog runs. If a man sees a woman walking a cute dog, he will most likely start talking to her.
4. Fix Things
To me, Home Depot is the worst place in the world. I would rather sit in an icebox and freeze than go to an oversized tool shed. But, guys consider it their inner handyman Mecca. Men love fixing and building things, so Home Depot (or Lowes) stores are always filled with an array of manly men.
5. Start To Love Toys
Men love toys. The bigger the boat and the faster the engine, the more powerful the guy will be. The same way women love fashion shows, guys love toy shows. Car and boat shows are places where single men are like a flock to a shepherd. If you attend a car or boat show, pick up on the finer things in life (um, Ferraris anyone?), while meeting a man to drive it.
6. Wash Your Car
Speaking of cars, most men love their four-wheelers and they like them to appear brand new. It could be a rut (pun intended), but I’ve always dated men who are car freaks and I’ve been taken to car washes much too often. But while I'm there (bored to death), I’ve noticed that they were usually filled with men, and pretty hot ones sometimes. Head to a car wash and remember, your car can never be too shiny.
7. Be Tech-Friendly
True or false? Men are into electronics. All the men I’ve dated (or known for that matter) have proved this statement to be true. Men love technology and are always looking for new phones. If you want to meet a tech-friendly type of guy, frequent a Verizon, Sprint, or AT&T store.
8. Pick Up a Sport
Do you like tennis or golf? Well, start to love them both! Being active will boost your confidence and help you stay fit. Golf courses and tennis clubs are places that men go to with their friends. If you join one, you can better your game and meet new people.
9. Start Reading
Reading is a great way to escape your day-to-day troubles. Go to a bookstore and kill two birds with one stone – find a book and a brand new man. Some men love to learn and are always looking for reading material. If you’re browsing the same aisle, then you know you have something in common.
10. Get Cultured
Experience a typical New York moment by going to a museum. There are new exhibits opening all the time. If you meet a man at a museum, chances are he is interesting and cultured. You can also brush up on some art history while looking for that prospective boyfriend or husband.
---------------
Carly Spindel is a writer and hopeless romantic. She left her job at Shape Magazine to pursue her dating blog. Carly is a world traveler who has lived in Paris and London. She resides in New York and is always on the go. She can usually be found at her favorite café enjoying chocolate mousse while people watching, which is one of her favorite hobbies. Carly spends the rest of her time focusing on her five dearest past times: travelling, learning about different cultures, shopping, reading, and of course looking for Mr. Right.
--Neale Sourna
-------------------------------------
[StyleCaster, on Fri Apr 30, 2010 6:23am PDT]
Meeting the opposite sex isn't the easiest feat – especially when you work in femme-heavy fashion – but here's a compilation of some handy and perhaps unexpected tips to cross paths with Mr. Right.
1. Eat Out
Busy, single men don’t have time to cook. This is why they need a girlfriend! Just kidding. However, when they are tired and hungry after work, they dine out at restaurants. So if you want to meet a new man, try a new restaurant at least once a week.
2. Join a Gym
Gyms are places where all body conscious men go to let off some steam. If you meet a man at the gym you can see what he really looks like when he’s all sweaty. If he looks good in gym clothes, he’ll look great in real clothes. People who work out are also much happier (translation: a better partner to be with).
3. Pay Attention To Your Pet
The sun is out and love is in the air. People are outside enjoying the weather. Take the opportunity to give your dog some extra attention and go to the park. If you don’t have a dog, borrow one. Many men think of dogs as soul mates (who else better understands their zest for the simple things in life?) and will often frequent dog runs. If a man sees a woman walking a cute dog, he will most likely start talking to her.
4. Fix Things
To me, Home Depot is the worst place in the world. I would rather sit in an icebox and freeze than go to an oversized tool shed. But, guys consider it their inner handyman Mecca. Men love fixing and building things, so Home Depot (or Lowes) stores are always filled with an array of manly men.
5. Start To Love Toys
Men love toys. The bigger the boat and the faster the engine, the more powerful the guy will be. The same way women love fashion shows, guys love toy shows. Car and boat shows are places where single men are like a flock to a shepherd. If you attend a car or boat show, pick up on the finer things in life (um, Ferraris anyone?), while meeting a man to drive it.
6. Wash Your Car
Speaking of cars, most men love their four-wheelers and they like them to appear brand new. It could be a rut (pun intended), but I’ve always dated men who are car freaks and I’ve been taken to car washes much too often. But while I'm there (bored to death), I’ve noticed that they were usually filled with men, and pretty hot ones sometimes. Head to a car wash and remember, your car can never be too shiny.
7. Be Tech-Friendly
True or false? Men are into electronics. All the men I’ve dated (or known for that matter) have proved this statement to be true. Men love technology and are always looking for new phones. If you want to meet a tech-friendly type of guy, frequent a Verizon, Sprint, or AT&T store.
8. Pick Up a Sport
Do you like tennis or golf? Well, start to love them both! Being active will boost your confidence and help you stay fit. Golf courses and tennis clubs are places that men go to with their friends. If you join one, you can better your game and meet new people.
9. Start Reading
Reading is a great way to escape your day-to-day troubles. Go to a bookstore and kill two birds with one stone – find a book and a brand new man. Some men love to learn and are always looking for reading material. If you’re browsing the same aisle, then you know you have something in common.
10. Get Cultured
Experience a typical New York moment by going to a museum. There are new exhibits opening all the time. If you meet a man at a museum, chances are he is interesting and cultured. You can also brush up on some art history while looking for that prospective boyfriend or husband.
---------------
Carly Spindel is a writer and hopeless romantic. She left her job at Shape Magazine to pursue her dating blog. Carly is a world traveler who has lived in Paris and London. She resides in New York and is always on the go. She can usually be found at her favorite café enjoying chocolate mousse while people watching, which is one of her favorite hobbies. Carly spends the rest of her time focusing on her five dearest past times: travelling, learning about different cultures, shopping, reading, and of course looking for Mr. Right.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
LinkedIn Question: How to start as a game writer & story crafter in the games industry?
Keep writing. Look for chances to write for game techs without your skills of character dialog and deep storytelling.
When a Polish programmer--Hi, Darek!--was looking at writers online, he found my author site and liked how I opened with character feeling and action; we've done the Heartwild Solitaire series from that.
I got another break by having a sound set of writing and getting a few game writing jobs at Guru; the Margrave Manor series and an RPG script still waiting to be published.
We all want thee huge AAA narrative we can quit our other many writing and nonwriting jobs for, but that may never happen. We're like movie actors and writers, always looking for another job, hoping we didn't just do our last.
Then again, we may need to start hiring or bartering with programmers to get OUR stories done.
Check the jobs section here, pitch some bids, stay open to writing short stories and scripts/screenplays and even novels for you or as hire.
Author publish.
Set up a writing sample site.
Become a member of freelance writing sites.
We're all scrambling, just keep moving and improving--and relax, there seems to be the perception that there are more writers than jobs. But I can tell you, most of those being called writers are programmers slumming and messing up the storyline and dialog.
Perceptions change everyday.
So, eventually better writers will get the call more often and sooner, we still have a while to that.
But that is why we're showing our face at LinkedIn--we game writers are here, ready, and already writing.
--Neale Sourna
Game Writing Exchange @ LinkedIn.com
When a Polish programmer--Hi, Darek!--was looking at writers online, he found my author site and liked how I opened with character feeling and action; we've done the Heartwild Solitaire series from that.
I got another break by having a sound set of writing and getting a few game writing jobs at Guru; the Margrave Manor series and an RPG script still waiting to be published.
We all want thee huge AAA narrative we can quit our other many writing and nonwriting jobs for, but that may never happen. We're like movie actors and writers, always looking for another job, hoping we didn't just do our last.
Then again, we may need to start hiring or bartering with programmers to get OUR stories done.
Check the jobs section here, pitch some bids, stay open to writing short stories and scripts/screenplays and even novels for you or as hire.
Author publish.
Set up a writing sample site.
Become a member of freelance writing sites.
We're all scrambling, just keep moving and improving--and relax, there seems to be the perception that there are more writers than jobs. But I can tell you, most of those being called writers are programmers slumming and messing up the storyline and dialog.
Perceptions change everyday.
So, eventually better writers will get the call more often and sooner, we still have a while to that.
But that is why we're showing our face at LinkedIn--we game writers are here, ready, and already writing.
--Neale Sourna
Game Writing Exchange @ LinkedIn.com
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Client Job: Asian Indian Sex Stories by Neale Sourna
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click here to view the post.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Creative Designers and Writers Forum, LinkedIn: Intuition and Creativity: Are the Two Linked? « The Potential Within
They are linked wonderfully, when I remember not to ignore or disregard their connection. They work together to anchor my writing in a reality that is both hyper and realistic--as most fiction and good nonfiction are. It's that fortunate way of "hearing" a character's voice or the nonfiction POV voice that's perfect in character subtext.
My present project has been fleshing out a reality-based romantic novel that takes place in mainland China, along with a huge language barrier. I was given a major character's description and the reaction him, and came up with an overtly effusive manner for him to speak.
Bingo. I was told that she laughed at the pleasure of hearing him come alive, as she recalls him. I've never met him, nor heard him.
Intuition is listening and perceiving the subtleties around and within you, creativity is doing it, expressing it outwardly and not assuming it's frivolous, or hard.
My present project has been fleshing out a reality-based romantic novel that takes place in mainland China, along with a huge language barrier. I was given a major character's description and the reaction him, and came up with an overtly effusive manner for him to speak.
Bingo. I was told that she laughed at the pleasure of hearing him come alive, as she recalls him. I've never met him, nor heard him.
Intuition is listening and perceiving the subtleties around and within you, creativity is doing it, expressing it outwardly and not assuming it's frivolous, or hard.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Neale Sourna in WVIZ TV25 PBS 2010 AUCTION
04-2010 Neale Sourna's Participating in WVIZ-TV25 (PBS) AUCTION--Watch Us. Make a Bid. It's Fun!
CLEVELAND'S CITY CLUB FORUM--Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from...
CLEVELAND'S CITY CLUB FORUM
April 16, 2010 featuring Douglas A. Blackmon, Author and Pulitzer Prize Winner.
Douglas A. Blackmon [not Blackman], Author and Winner of the 2009 Pulitzer Prize in the General Nonfiction category, speaks about his award winning book "Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement [Reenslavement] of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II.
Download Duration:
00:56:31 Published: Fri, Apr 16, 2010 12:00:00 -0500
Character: Doctor Who Series 5, Next Doctor
You know your character's written tightly and well if, as in the "Doctor Who" Series 5 character trailer, when the Doctor is seen shooting a gun, and you immediately think, "He doesn't do that!"
Friday, April 16, 2010
PRESS RELEASE: "Neale Sourna's CuntSinger" Cunnilingus Manual 1/2 Off
PRESS RELEASE: "Neale Sourna's CuntSinger" Cunnilingus Manual 1/2 Off in Mobipocket
HALF OFF so you can BUY A COPY FOR FRIEND'S PDA, IPOD, or IPAD! Only until the END OF APRIL, so GET HIM (or HER) A COPY OF THEIR OWN--It's for your own good.
HALF OFF so you can BUY A COPY FOR FRIEND'S PDA, IPOD, or IPAD! Only until the END OF APRIL, so GET HIM (or HER) A COPY OF THEIR OWN--It's for your own good.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Online portfolios (script, novel, story excerpts, client article links):
http://profile.guru.com/667152
http://nealesourna.elance.com/
http://www.Neale-Sourna.com
http://www.Writing-Naked.com
http://www.neale-sourna.com/games.htm
http://www.orchidgames.com/heartwild_solitaire ,
http://www.orchidgames.com/heartwild_solitaire_book_two ,
http://www.orchidgames.com/heartwild_solitaire_classic/quiz
[Heartwild Solitaire, Heartwild Solitaire: Book Two games and Quiz Game]
http://www.margravemanor.com/ ,
http://www.margravemanor2.com/gameinfo.php
[The Secret of Margrave Manor, Margrave Manor 2: The Lost Ship 2 games]
http://www.weddingnight.com/ Short stories
http://www.romantic4ever.com/romantic-fiction/index.html Short stories
http://www.romantic4ever.com/d_how_we_met/100408-five-and-dime-store.html
Search Google, Amazon, etc for "Neale Sourna"
Booksellers: http://www.ingrambook.com/ [Neale's Distributor/Printer: http://www.LightningSource.com ]
http://nealesourna.elance.com/
http://www.Neale-Sourna.com
http://www.Writing-Naked.com
http://www.neale-sourna.com/games.htm
http://www.orchidgames.com/heartwild_solitaire ,
http://www.orchidgames.com/heartwild_solitaire_book_two ,
http://www.orchidgames.com/heartwild_solitaire_classic/quiz
[Heartwild Solitaire, Heartwild Solitaire: Book Two games and Quiz Game]
http://www.margravemanor.com/ ,
http://www.margravemanor2.com/gameinfo.php
[The Secret of Margrave Manor, Margrave Manor 2: The Lost Ship 2 games]
http://www.weddingnight.com/ Short stories
http://www.romantic4ever.com/romantic-fiction/index.html Short stories
http://www.romantic4ever.com/d_how_we_met/100408-five-and-dime-store.html
Search Google, Amazon, etc for "Neale Sourna"
Booksellers: http://www.ingrambook.com/ [Neale's Distributor/Printer: http://www.LightningSource.com ]
Sunday, April 04, 2010
LinkedIn Neale Sourna's Game Writer Exchange Group
WANTED: Established writers, rank beginners and working in-betweeners. Share your latest job and career notice finds, give information and advice, or submit education hookups concerning game story writing, interactive fiction, & requests for short to long fiction/scripts for games or comics.
By registering to be a member of the Game Writer Exchange group, you consent to have your name and your email address be accessible by the official representative of the Game Writer Exchange group, and to be identified as a Game Writer Exchange group member in your profile and the LinkedIn search results. If you do not wish to give such consent, please do not register.
Friday, April 02, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
About Character: Your Beliefs About Yourself are Controlling Your Destiny By Harrison Barnes
[More "Controlling Your Destiny" ]
Most people in the world are literally operating on auto pilot, based on beliefs about themselves they do not even know that they have. Everyone has an internal map of reality and this map is creating life and experiences. These beliefs are affecting us on a daily basis whether we want them to or not. We all have internal maps of reality and these maps operate primarily unconsciously and on automatic. We hold many beliefs to be true that end up creating our experience of life. Something that can change your entire life and career is when you realize the following:
[More "Controlling Your Destiny" ]
Most people in the world are literally operating on auto pilot, based on beliefs about themselves they do not even know that they have. Everyone has an internal map of reality and this map is creating life and experiences. These beliefs are affecting us on a daily basis whether we want them to or not. We all have internal maps of reality and these maps operate primarily unconsciously and on automatic. We hold many beliefs to be true that end up creating our experience of life. Something that can change your entire life and career is when you realize the following:
You are the creator of whatever happens to you. Whatever happens to you is coming from inside of you. Everything that is happening to you is being generated inside of yourself–even if you cannot see this. The key to a successful career and life is to stop resisting what is happening to you and start choosing what to believe about the world to create the life you want.Once you understand this statement your life as you know it and your ability to control what happens to you in your life will change. Understanding this statement and working with this statement is something the most successful people in the world are able to do and the least successful people in the world are not. In effect, the most successful people in the world choose what to believe about themselves and the world. I would estimate that less than 1 in 1,000 people understand this. Even fewer people are able to make this work for there own benefit.
[More "Controlling Your Destiny" ]
Friday, March 19, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010
From Beyond Romance Blog: Flaws versus Foibles By Misty Malone (Guest Blogger)
http://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com/2010/02/flaws-versus-foibles.html
Jane Smith is perfect. She’s funny, witty, sings like an angel, and gorgeous. Though she can be a bit too nice at times, and has a tendency to be a bit clumsy.
Mary Johnson is also popular, but she’s known for her hot temper and often acts without thinking of the consequences first.
So, which one of these characters would you rather read about?
Mary, right? Bet I know why.
Mary has a character flaw. Jane has a character foible.
Merriam-Webster defines character foibles as, “a minor flaw or shortcoming in character or behavior.” These “quirks” don’t impact the character’s life in any significant way and rarely have the power to carry a main character through a plot. Being clumsy, like Jane, may make a reader identify with the trait, but rarely with the character herself.
On the other hand, Mary’s anger and impetuousness open up a whole world of plotlines because of the fatal character flaw at the core of her personality. Whatever situation she gets in, her fatal flaw will make it worse. The reader will cringe when Mary makes yet another mistake, but that’s what you want as an author: character flaws are what make readers care about your characters.
Here are some tips and tricks: [http://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com/2010/02/flaws-versus-foibles.html]
Jane Smith is perfect. She’s funny, witty, sings like an angel, and gorgeous. Though she can be a bit too nice at times, and has a tendency to be a bit clumsy.
Mary Johnson is also popular, but she’s known for her hot temper and often acts without thinking of the consequences first.
So, which one of these characters would you rather read about?
Mary, right? Bet I know why.
Mary has a character flaw. Jane has a character foible.
Merriam-Webster defines character foibles as, “a minor flaw or shortcoming in character or behavior.” These “quirks” don’t impact the character’s life in any significant way and rarely have the power to carry a main character through a plot. Being clumsy, like Jane, may make a reader identify with the trait, but rarely with the character herself.
On the other hand, Mary’s anger and impetuousness open up a whole world of plotlines because of the fatal character flaw at the core of her personality. Whatever situation she gets in, her fatal flaw will make it worse. The reader will cringe when Mary makes yet another mistake, but that’s what you want as an author: character flaws are what make readers care about your characters.
Here are some tips and tricks: [http://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com/2010/02/flaws-versus-foibles.html]
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Character in Song Lyrics: Fiona Apple Criminal Lyrics
Fiona Apple Criminal Lyrics
I've been a bad bad girl
I've been careless with a delicate man
And it's a sad sad world
When a girl will break a boy
Just because she can
Don't you tell me to deny it
I've done wrong and I want to
Suffer for my sins
I've come to you 'cause I need
Guidance to be true
And I just don't know where I can begin
What I need is a good defense
'Cause I'm feelin' like a criminal
And I need to redeemed
To the one I've sinned against
Because he's all I ever knew of love
Heaven help me for the way I am
Save me from these evil deeds
Before I get them done
I know tomorrow brings the consequence
At hand
But I keep livin' this day like
The next will never come
Oh help me but don't tell me
To deny it
I've got to cleanse myself
Of all these lies till I'm good
Enough for him
I've got a lot to lose and I'm
Bettin' high
So I'm beggin' you before it ends
Just tell me where to begin
What I need is a good defense
'Cause I'm feelin' like a criminal
And I need to redeemed
To the one I've sinned against
Because he's all I ever knew of love
Let me know the way
Before there's hell to pay
Give me room to lay the law and let me go
I've got to make a play
To make my lover stay
So what would an angel say
The devil wants to know
What I need is a good defense
'Cause I'm feelin' like a criminal
And I need to redeemed
To the one I've sinned against
Because he's all I ever knew of love
What I need is a good defense
'Cause I'm feelin' like a criminal
And I need to redeemed
To the one I've sinned against
Because he's all I ever knew of love
[more lyrics and ringtones at http://www.lyricsfreak.com/f/fiona+apple/criminal_20053670.html
I've been careless with a delicate man
And it's a sad sad world
When a girl will break a boy
Just because she can
Don't you tell me to deny it
I've done wrong and I want to
Suffer for my sins
I've come to you 'cause I need
Guidance to be true
And I just don't know where I can begin
What I need is a good defense
'Cause I'm feelin' like a criminal
And I need to redeemed
To the one I've sinned against
Because he's all I ever knew of love
Heaven help me for the way I am
Save me from these evil deeds
Before I get them done
I know tomorrow brings the consequence
At hand
But I keep livin' this day like
The next will never come
Oh help me but don't tell me
To deny it
I've got to cleanse myself
Of all these lies till I'm good
Enough for him
I've got a lot to lose and I'm
Bettin' high
So I'm beggin' you before it ends
Just tell me where to begin
What I need is a good defense
'Cause I'm feelin' like a criminal
And I need to redeemed
To the one I've sinned against
Because he's all I ever knew of love
Let me know the way
Before there's hell to pay
Give me room to lay the law and let me go
I've got to make a play
To make my lover stay
So what would an angel say
The devil wants to know
What I need is a good defense
'Cause I'm feelin' like a criminal
And I need to redeemed
To the one I've sinned against
Because he's all I ever knew of love
What I need is a good defense
'Cause I'm feelin' like a criminal
And I need to redeemed
To the one I've sinned against
Because he's all I ever knew of love
[more lyrics and ringtones at http://www.lyricsfreak.com/f/fiona+apple/criminal_20053670.html
Friday, February 12, 2010
Matt Costello and Vanessa Franklin/Ninjagirl82 on Game Writing and more at Youtube.com
The writer of loads of games like Pirates of the Caribbean: World's End for X box 360 !!!!! and written novels and screenplays and loads. [And yes, he, too, despite what job HR types ask about, says he has LITTLE TIME TO PLAY games, since he's CREATING them.]
Matt Costello How 2 write video games, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgzzQKYLHqE
The Game of Writing Games (Story and Games) with Matt Costello Pt 1/3, 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syY3XY3LJgo
The Game of Writing Games with Matt Costello Pt 2/3, 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjL_1M-ZITI
The Game of Writing Games with Matt Costello Pt 3/3, 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfLv-NDFyoU
==========================
Writing for a video game part 1 by Vanessa Franklin/Ninjagirl82, 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw1KpoFMrNI
Writing for a Video Game Part 2, 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YewxKtxsoV4
Writing for a Video Game Part 3, 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV4IspRB5KQ
===========================
Video Game Industry : How to Write Video Game Scripts from GameRecruiter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W_ImokXCUQ
Video Game Industry : Job Descriptions for a Video Game Designer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYzMAplBYhc
Video Game Industry : Qualifications for a Video Game Designer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LxE2iiEKpY
Video Game Industry : About Game Design Software
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkmlWJQZUzs
[Steam is a digital distribution, digital rights management, multiplayer and communications platform developed by Valve Corporation. It is used to distribute a large number of games and related media entirely over the internet, from small independent efforts to larger, more popular games. Steam is set apart from similar services primarily by its community features, completely automated game update process, and its use of in-game functionality.
There are over 1,000 games available on Steam, and in January 2010 Valve announced that it had surpassed 25 million active user accounts.[3] It regularly services in excess of two million concurrent users.[4] Although Valve never releases sales figures, Steam is considered by its competitors and clients to be the market leader, controlling an estimated 70% of the digital distribution market.[5]
Many major publishers have catalogues on Steam, including Electronic Arts, Activision, 2K Games, Ubisoft, THQ, Sega, Codemasters, LucasArts, id Software, and BioWare.--Wikipedia http://store.steampowered.com/]
Matt Costello How 2 write video games, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgzzQKYLHqE
The Game of Writing Games (Story and Games) with Matt Costello Pt 1/3, 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syY3XY3LJgo
The Game of Writing Games with Matt Costello Pt 2/3, 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjL_1M-ZITI
The Game of Writing Games with Matt Costello Pt 3/3, 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfLv-NDFyoU
==========================
Writing for a video game part 1 by Vanessa Franklin/Ninjagirl82, 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw1KpoFMrNI
Writing for a Video Game Part 2, 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YewxKtxsoV4
Writing for a Video Game Part 3, 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV4IspRB5KQ
===========================
Video Game Industry : How to Write Video Game Scripts from GameRecruiter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W_ImokXCUQ
Video Game Industry : Job Descriptions for a Video Game Designer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYzMAplBYhc
Video Game Industry : Qualifications for a Video Game Designer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LxE2iiEKpY
Video Game Industry : About Game Design Software
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkmlWJQZUzs
[Steam is a digital distribution, digital rights management, multiplayer and communications platform developed by Valve Corporation. It is used to distribute a large number of games and related media entirely over the internet, from small independent efforts to larger, more popular games. Steam is set apart from similar services primarily by its community features, completely automated game update process, and its use of in-game functionality.
There are over 1,000 games available on Steam, and in January 2010 Valve announced that it had surpassed 25 million active user accounts.[3] It regularly services in excess of two million concurrent users.[4] Although Valve never releases sales figures, Steam is considered by its competitors and clients to be the market leader, controlling an estimated 70% of the digital distribution market.[5]
Many major publishers have catalogues on Steam, including Electronic Arts, Activision, 2K Games, Ubisoft, THQ, Sega, Codemasters, LucasArts, id Software, and BioWare.--Wikipedia http://store.steampowered.com/]
Monday, February 08, 2010
My Guilty Romances with Keanu Reeves, Lovers, and Writing
My Guilty Romances with Keanu Reeves, Lovers, and Writing
By Neale Sourna (Guest Blogger)
I write erotic fiction, both soft and hardcore, and sensuous and romantic game texts, and do so boldly. And even call my writing consulting site Writing-Naked.com, because I love writing, love to write, and love to have written—and yet I find, repeatedly, a middle class, middle American, Midwest, working class vibe of, “Hm, writing, that’s not REAL work, a REAL job you can do with pride, tell your grandma, and pay all your bills with.”
Like I had total pride and all my bills paid back when I was a secretary / executive assistant / office manager or retail salesperson or whatever. Absolutely not.
And my mom and grandma know what I write, even if they don’t read it.
“They” never leave you alone, nor does the noise in your own head, except unless you can prove you can afford to live in Anne Rice’s mansion, Stephen King’s gothic estate, or give the forever waving and REAL jobless Queen of England a run for her pound Sterling by being “Harry Potter’s” multimillion, writing mum.
And, probably, even then, you’ll have to tell yourself—until you believe it, too, and then some—that sitting on your bum, writing “little stories,” especially “little, romantic and erotic stories” IS REAL. And a guilt-free occupation.
That it’s more than okay.
That it’s really a breath of air filling your lungs, and a thing that keeps you sane.
Or, maybe, that’s just me.
And what does this have to do with Keanu...? http://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-guilty-romances-with-keanu-reeves.htmlWednesday, January 27, 2010
The First ProjectKeanu.com Audio Commentary by author Neale Sourna
The First ProjectKeanu.com Audio Commentary by author Neale Sourna (play along with your DVD): AWalkInTheClouds--1995.mp3
Fun, opinion, insightful, Free!
Fun, opinion, insightful, Free!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Legal Battles Over E-Book Rights to Older Books
Legal Battles Over E-Book Rights to Older Books
By MOTOKO RICHWilliam Styron may have been one of the leading literary lions of recent decades, but his books are not selling much these days. Now his family has a plan to lure digital-age readers with e-book versions of titles like “Sophie’s Choice,” “The Confessions of Nat Turner” and Mr. Styron’s memoir of depression, “Darkness Visible.”
But the question of exactly who owns the electronic rights to such older titles is in dispute, making it a rising source of conflict in one of the publishing industry’s last remaining areas of growth.
Mr. Styron’s family believes it retains the rights, since the books were first published before e-books existed. Random House, Mr. Styron’s longtime publisher, says it owns those rights, and it is determined to secure its place — and continuing profits — in the Kindle era.
The discussions about the digital fate of Mr. Styron’s work are similar to the negotiations playing out across the book industry as publishers hustle to capture the rights to release e-book versions of so-called backlist books. Indeed, the same new e-book venture Mr. Styron’s family hopes to use has run into similar resistance from the print publisher of “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller.
On Friday, Markus Dohle, chief executive of Random House, sent a letter to dozens of literary agents, writing that the company’s older agreements gave it “the exclusive right to publish in electronic book publishing formats.”
Backlist titles, which continue to be reprinted long after their initial release, are crucial to publishing houses because of their promise of lucrative revenue year after year. But authors and agents are particularly concerned that traditional publishers are not offering sufficient royalties on e-book editions, which they point out are cheaper for publishers to produce. Some are considering taking their digital rights elsewhere, which could deal a financial blow to the hobbled publishing industry.
The tussle over who owns the electronic rights — and how much the authors should earn in digital royalties — potentially puts into play works by authors like Ralph Ellison and John Updike.
Some publishers have already made agreements with authors or their estates to release digital editions. All of Ernest Hemingway’s books, for example, are available in electronic versions from his print publisher, Scribner, a unit of Simon & Schuster.
But with only a small fraction of the thousands of books in print available in e-book form, there are many titles to be fought over.
“This is a wide open frontier.....[more at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/13/business/media/13ebooks.html#]A version of this article appeared in print on December 13, 2009, on page A1 of the New York edition.
========
And people ask why I publish my own works. Yes, it's work and like a voice crying in the wilderness all alone; but, it's my voice. And autonomy and independence and knowing my titles aren't ignored or pulled out of rotation for no apparent reason except boredom in waiting for the BIG NUMBERS by "my publisher" for a huge, star customer other than myself--I'm my own star!--is worth the sleep at night.--Neale Sourna
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Visualize Where You Are Going: Think Big
Visualize Where You Are Going: Think Big |  | ||
| By Harrison Barnes | | |
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A famous book quoted in The Secret is Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Anthony Robbins and many other motivational gurus often talk about these same topics and inspirational ideas. There is a lot to be said about clearly visualizing where you are going. You have to know where you want your life to go and set high goals to get there. When I was in my mid-20s I lived in Hollywood, and for a time I would pal around with some people who were really interested in being actors. After I had spent several months in the Hollywood scene, I began to notice that everyone who was interested in show business talked a big game; they always seemed to be talking about where they were going to be in a few years. Moreover, most of these people could tell you every last detail about their favorite actors and movies. In many cases, these wannabe actors and actresses littered their apartments with pictures of their idols and of the movies they liked. Every social move they made was always geared towards getting to know people in the business. At night most of these people were only interested in going to places and seeing people who could potentially further their acting careers. They all seemed to have this common underlying belief that they needed to bring their efforts to a fever pitch in order to succeed in Hollywood. They needed to eat, breathe, think, and do everything within their power at all times in order to accelerate their careers. In at least two cases I know of, these people became very famous. At least once a week, I see them gracing a magazine cover or on television. Looking back, I know that what made these people so successful, ultimately, was a burning desire to achieve their dreams of being what they wanted to be. While not everywhere is like Hollywood, your career is something that needs to be treated with a massive amount of passion and a burning desire to succeed. In order to succeed, you need to visualize where your career is going and keep a fire burning within you. The further you visualize your career going, the more success you are likely to have. I have noticed some things that really do seem to work when visualizing yourself succeeding. The first is surrounding yourself with people who are likely to assist you in reaching your goals. For example, the actors I knew spent their time with other actors. I am sure this was not only due to what they shared in common, but also so they could share information about job opportunities. Furthermore, the actors also made sure that they structured their social lives around meeting people who could assist them in reaching their goals. They also surrounded themselves with pictures, posters, and other paraphernalia in their homes that helped them visualize their successes. While not everyone wants a job in television or in movies, we all want to be someone and to achieve a successful career somewhere. Perhaps we are seeking a job with a major corporation, or a position in the medical profession, or in any other number of fields of interest. Regardless of the type of job you are seeking, the career advice is the same, I encourage you to aim high, you need to make sure you visualize the outcome of your search in order to become what you are seeking. It is hard to state how to “become what you are seeking” and “visualize who you want to be” without describing in brief what happens in a typical job interview. If you are interviewing candidates for a blue-collar position, they are likely to show up to the interview dressed in a fairly average sort of attire. They may be wearing jeans and will most likely look like a blue-collar worker. They will look and act the part that the job requires in most cases. If you are interviewing someone for an executive position, on the other hand, that person will likely show up wearing a suit. They, too, will look the part. Study the sorts of people you want to become and the sorts of jobs you are interested in having. You need to look the part and eat, breathe, and act like the sort of person you are interested in becoming. Understanding who you want to become and studying those above you will help you rise to new levels in your career and life. I want to bring up an important final point, one that needs to be clearly understood: It is not easy to rise up when those around you are not also rising. I have seen this happen countless times. If you are truly trying to better yourself, your career and your life, you need to ensure that you do not let others hold you back. This is crucial. You need to have the power to really become the person you want to be, and this needs to come from inside, without any external distractions. A few years ago, I ran into one of my old actor friends who had not made it in Hollywood. The people he knew and once ran with who became famous no longer associated with him or any of the others who had not become famous. They had fallen out of touch, which is a nice way of saying that the people who had become famous had simply moved on. I noticed that my old friend who had not found fame had somehow become much more negative than I remembered him being. He now spoke negatively about others and about Hollywood in general. He no longer had that spark and enthusiasm that could have made him a successful actor. I knew that no one of major success would probably want to spend time with this person. His outlook and his overall attitude had taken a turn for the worse, which unfortunately could only beget more negativity and despair. You must try to avoid feeling down or turning negative, even in the face of adversity or missed opportunities. Hold on to your dreams and stay positive. When it comes to your career, do everything in your power to ensure that you do not give up on your dreams. Continue to focus on what you want to become until you become it. Related posts:  To your success,  Harrison Barnes | | |
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