Hey all, there has been a lot brewing on the home front. The second ax is finished, and exceeds my expectations. A full post is coming soon. There has been a lot more reading going on around here, too. Want to write fiction, it helps to read it. I've also been plugging away with the writing, though not as much as I'd like. I'm just a pinch over 10,000 words on the novel, and there are several short stories in various stages. I'm splitting the writing time between actual writing, plotting, light world building, and a score of character exploring exercises. The plotting/outlining has been the hardest thing for me so far. I'm experimenting with several processes, and I'll work up some comparisons from my notes once I figure out what I like best.
In an effort to rekindle my fiction writing chops I have been searching for sources of contemporary short genre fiction to absorb. I was truly amazed as to what was available for free on the web. Most of it is available with RSS feeds straight to your [techno-babble]device[/t-b] thingy of choice.
Chrome is my current go to browser, and I installed a program called Feedly to compile all my RSS feeds to my desktop. So far I like it. It features easy interface, list or magazine views, and simple content addition. I have almost totally replaced my wasted Facebook time with a steady stream of content from blogs, science news sources, and free fiction.
If anyone is interested in absorbing some fiction I have a few feed friendly suggestions.
Tor.com - Awesome sauce in a can. Not much more to say. Quite a few of their offerings are excerpts from a larger work , provided as a teaser, but good reads none the less. Really, my go to for the written word.
District of Wonders - The District of Wonders is a more recent find. It is an umbrella site for a collection of themed sister feeds. Each one has a podcast with delectable little tidbits to whet your apatite for fiction. Each short story is donated by the author, and read by a volunteer. The first is Star Ship Sofa, sci-fi goodness served up with related features. The others include Tales to Terrify, Crime City Central, and my favorite Protecting Project Pulp. The last is a vintage pulp fiction podcast full of noir gumshoes and larger than life serial heroes.
Lightspeed Magazine - A sci-fi and fantasy podcast that allows you to choose between reading the short stories in print or a streamed podcast for the on the go types.
Nightmare-Magazine - This on is pretty much what the name implies. It is also a sister sight to Lightspeed, with a similar format. it offers the same consumption versatility.
Another noteworthy source is SF Signal. Touted as the 2012 Hugo winner for Best Fanzine, they offer a lot of good write ups, author interviews, and industry insight. They also offer a periodic list of available free fiction from around the web. My Andriod phone is stuffed with free books from Amazon thanks to SFS.
In the mean time, I've been researching and working on several projects over the last month. There is a back load of pics and content on the way, so there should be some cool bushcraft and upcycling coming soon. If anyone out there has any fiction links or project ideas shoot them my way. I'm always looking for my next obsession.
I have to end with a shout out to Dawn Montgomery, a long time friend who is experiencing a boon from her latest erotica release Haunting Melody St. Claire. If you like it hot and steamy, she has what you need.
Till next time, keep creating. Remember, we are defined by what we create, not what we consume.
Thank you for the shout out hon!! *hugs*
ReplyDeleteLove the links. I think I found a new favorite hangout or two. :D