I've been working on Section 51 edits from y editor. There's something else I've been thinking about doing with it, but I'm not sure yet. Anyway, once those are complete, I'll move onto Department 51's edits. Unit 51 is as done as it's going to be and I'm tired of looking it. That means it's time to drop that one in my editor's hands, too. I'll do that at some point--just not now.
I'm still lining up promo around the books and figuring out the release day schedule. I have a firmer grip on both Section 51 and Department 51 because I'll be releasing them together. Unit 51 will come about 2-3weeks later. The biggest hold up for that one is the cover art. I know what the covers will look like for Section 51 and Department 51 and I think they're great! But, it's Unit 51's that sucks. I've seen some sample designs, but haven't liked any of them. *sigh*
In the mean time, I've been getting some advice--whether or not it's good remains to be seen--from other writers to see what's worked for them when it comes to promo. Basically, nobody can dispute writing a good book and working on your next. So in a way, I'm glad my last efforts fell through and I had to start all over again. I'm devoting more time where it should be and that's toward writing.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
My New Favorite Show: Sleepy Hollow
I didn't have high hopes for Sleepy Hollow on the Fox Channel, Monday nights. Let's face it. The whole Sleepy Hollow thing sounded a little too over-the-top for me. At most, it would last about ten episodes before getting its plug pulled.
Boy, was I wrong. If this show gets canned, I'll be picketing all over Fox's network. This show is phenomenal! First, we don't have the stereotypical, militant African American woman. She's completely down to earth and nicely balanced with some skepticism and a healthy level of open-mindedness. As for Ichabod, I think he's awesome. Last night's episode with the post-it notes around his motel room to guide him were priceless. His reactions to certain things are right on point, given that he lived well over two centuries years ago. Oh, and did I mention how much I liked how they wove the Headless Horseman into the whole Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse? Now there's all of this freaky stuff that seems to be awakening in town and scaring the crap out of the residents. The only drawback that I find to the series is that they all know they live in Sleepy Hollow and they're very familiar with the whole Headless Horseman thing. Now, granted there are some discrepancies between the story and the way Ichabod tells it and he even admits to this. But even if I were living in that town and heard stories about people getting their heads cut off, I might be inclined to leave. Just a thought. But at the same time, there's so much good stuff going on here that I've found the perfect substitute while waiting for all of my other shows to start back up their new seasons. Next stop American Horror Story: Coven.
Rating: A-
Boy, was I wrong. If this show gets canned, I'll be picketing all over Fox's network. This show is phenomenal! First, we don't have the stereotypical, militant African American woman. She's completely down to earth and nicely balanced with some skepticism and a healthy level of open-mindedness. As for Ichabod, I think he's awesome. Last night's episode with the post-it notes around his motel room to guide him were priceless. His reactions to certain things are right on point, given that he lived well over two centuries years ago. Oh, and did I mention how much I liked how they wove the Headless Horseman into the whole Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse? Now there's all of this freaky stuff that seems to be awakening in town and scaring the crap out of the residents. The only drawback that I find to the series is that they all know they live in Sleepy Hollow and they're very familiar with the whole Headless Horseman thing. Now, granted there are some discrepancies between the story and the way Ichabod tells it and he even admits to this. But even if I were living in that town and heard stories about people getting their heads cut off, I might be inclined to leave. Just a thought. But at the same time, there's so much good stuff going on here that I've found the perfect substitute while waiting for all of my other shows to start back up their new seasons. Next stop American Horror Story: Coven.
Rating: A-
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Schedule Change? Already?!
Yeah. I should've known that I'd jinx myself as soon as I put up the schedule on Wednesday. Anyway, my promotion plans have fallen into a deep dark abyss, and I've spent this past weekend trying to come up with an alternative while refining a few things at the same time.
At this point, let's just say that my new schedule is going to look something like this until I can nail down specific dates. Worse case scenario, if I have to push everything out by a month, I still want to get the series out by the end of the year.
So for now, here you go. Again, the same rule applies. This is subject to change, but I'm hopeful it won't.
Section 51 - October 2013
Department 51 - November 2013
Unit 51 - December 2013
Station 51 - After Christmas 2013*
*That last date is iffy. If I can get it out sooner rather than later, I will. I hate letting projects linger over the holidays.
At this point, let's just say that my new schedule is going to look something like this until I can nail down specific dates. Worse case scenario, if I have to push everything out by a month, I still want to get the series out by the end of the year.
So for now, here you go. Again, the same rule applies. This is subject to change, but I'm hopeful it won't.
Section 51 - October 2013
Department 51 - November 2013
Unit 51 - December 2013
Station 51 - After Christmas 2013*
*That last date is iffy. If I can get it out sooner rather than later, I will. I hate letting projects linger over the holidays.
Friday, September 6, 2013
R.I.P. Ann Crispin
I've never read any Ann Crispin books or met her in person. Nevertheless, I still feel like a friend die today.
I love what io9 wrote about her because it captures her influence throughout the sci-fi world and beyond, including the start of Writer Beware. Anything and everything wrong with the publishing business, she and Victoria Strauss brought it to light, and they did it all for the sake of writers everywhere. No matter where you are in your career, you can't afford not to know about Ann Crispin. In fact, any blog or book or sticky-note should be required reading for those who are looking at a career in writing. Her lessons are invaluable.
As for her fans, I envy that you got to know her and her writing. The good news is I can change that starting with Starbridge. The bad news is, it'll be short lived for an author who's life was cut way too short.
Rest in peace, Ms. Crispin.
I love what io9 wrote about her because it captures her influence throughout the sci-fi world and beyond, including the start of Writer Beware. Anything and everything wrong with the publishing business, she and Victoria Strauss brought it to light, and they did it all for the sake of writers everywhere. No matter where you are in your career, you can't afford not to know about Ann Crispin. In fact, any blog or book or sticky-note should be required reading for those who are looking at a career in writing. Her lessons are invaluable.
As for her fans, I envy that you got to know her and her writing. The good news is I can change that starting with Starbridge. The bad news is, it'll be short lived for an author who's life was cut way too short.
Rest in peace, Ms. Crispin.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Release Dates
I've been mulling this around for a while now in my head and I think I've come up with a release plan for my Project Solstice series. But before I say anything, let me put up the usual disclaimer.
These dates are subject to change.
There. I said it. So without further ado, here we go...
Section 51 - October 1st
Department 51 - November 1st
Unit 51 - December 1st
Station 51 - January 1st*
*That last date is iffy. If I can get it out sooner rather than later, I will. I hate letting projects linger over the holidays.
What would make the dates change, I don't know. Honestly, it might simply be me being scared to death about what people will think or wondering if I might have wasted my time writing this series like I have with other things I've written. Although, you'd think with the number of beta readers and critique partners I've had over the years, I'd be use to the scrutiny by now. It could also be the fact that the editor I have lined up might get busy with other work before I can get the next book to him. Anything is possible.
I guess this means I should put up a cover soon for Section 51, which I will. I've also discovered somewhere along the way that a series bible might come in handy so I can keep things straight. Sadly, I've been in denial about creating more work for myself since the end of the second book. *sigh*
These dates are subject to change.
There. I said it. So without further ado, here we go...
Section 51 - October 1st
Department 51 - November 1st
Unit 51 - December 1st
Station 51 - January 1st*
*That last date is iffy. If I can get it out sooner rather than later, I will. I hate letting projects linger over the holidays.
What would make the dates change, I don't know. Honestly, it might simply be me being scared to death about what people will think or wondering if I might have wasted my time writing this series like I have with other things I've written. Although, you'd think with the number of beta readers and critique partners I've had over the years, I'd be use to the scrutiny by now. It could also be the fact that the editor I have lined up might get busy with other work before I can get the next book to him. Anything is possible.
I guess this means I should put up a cover soon for Section 51, which I will. I've also discovered somewhere along the way that a series bible might come in handy so I can keep things straight. Sadly, I've been in denial about creating more work for myself since the end of the second book. *sigh*
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Progress
So, there was this plan to write only three novels in my series: Section 51, Department 51, and Unit 51. Well, there's been some major news and progress going on in the last few weeks, which is why my blog has been so stagnant. I'll explain.
For some strange reason, getting through Unit 51 had turned into a slog-fest. But, I finally made a breakthrough when I completely rewrote the first five chapters and went into an entirely different direction. Things sailed smoothly from there, taking directions that I never thought about until it came to that point in the story. I'm thoroughly proud of how Unit 51 turned out...until the ending came. I had broken one of my cardinal rules of writing. I ended the book on a cliffhanger. *hand slap*
Honestly, that was not my intension. I want to keep each book in the series around 65K words. When I looked at how this was going to end, there was no way I could shove the rest of the story into another 5K words to stay within my limits. Perhaps a smaller novella or a short story to wrap things up? Maybe 20K more words to end on a high note? Or how about a spin-off?
None of those were an option.
So as result, there will now be a Station 51. That makes four books total. I'm glad I chose this option because all of the open ends are being neatly closed instead jamming everything into one book and rushing the ending. I'm officially 15K words into it and there are so many ideas flooding through the gates that there might even be room for another book. But in order for that to happen, I need to see how these first couple of books will sell. Even though I'm writing for myself first, I'd really like to make a living wage off this, too.
If all goes well, I'll be touching base with the editor I've chosen tonight, and be ready to put out Section 51 by October. From that point on, I'll be working toward one a week. If all goes really well, I'll continue the series. We'll see.
For some strange reason, getting through Unit 51 had turned into a slog-fest. But, I finally made a breakthrough when I completely rewrote the first five chapters and went into an entirely different direction. Things sailed smoothly from there, taking directions that I never thought about until it came to that point in the story. I'm thoroughly proud of how Unit 51 turned out...until the ending came. I had broken one of my cardinal rules of writing. I ended the book on a cliffhanger. *hand slap*
Honestly, that was not my intension. I want to keep each book in the series around 65K words. When I looked at how this was going to end, there was no way I could shove the rest of the story into another 5K words to stay within my limits. Perhaps a smaller novella or a short story to wrap things up? Maybe 20K more words to end on a high note? Or how about a spin-off?
None of those were an option.
So as result, there will now be a Station 51. That makes four books total. I'm glad I chose this option because all of the open ends are being neatly closed instead jamming everything into one book and rushing the ending. I'm officially 15K words into it and there are so many ideas flooding through the gates that there might even be room for another book. But in order for that to happen, I need to see how these first couple of books will sell. Even though I'm writing for myself first, I'd really like to make a living wage off this, too.
If all goes well, I'll be touching base with the editor I've chosen tonight, and be ready to put out Section 51 by October. From that point on, I'll be working toward one a week. If all goes really well, I'll continue the series. We'll see.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Me, Myself, and I are having a conversation
And as fate would have it, I'm talking to myself. But that's okay, seeing as I've been to busy doing other things to really write a blog on a schedule. I sure hope if I end up with fans someday that they'll forgive me for not paying this thing too much attention. It's not that I don't care, but let's face it. I'd rather be writing.
Speaking of which--and since I enjoy talking to myself--book #3 is done. Sadly, I'm at a spot where I don't want to be. I'm talking cliffhanger territory. I HATE it when a book ends in a cliffhanger, but there was no avoiding it in this case. But, keep in mind that #3 is a first draft, so that could always change.
So where am I at in the whole series? Well, if all goes well, it'll be more than a trilogy like I had first planned. If all doesn't go well, then the few folks who bought my book might hate that I canceled the series the way I did. But only time will tell.
More important, I'm in the process of finding an editor for book #1. I need to do one more read through, especially of the first few chapters because I went from third person to first person through the first third of the book and I'm not sure if I cleaned up all of the POV switches.
Okay, dinner is done, so it's time to eat. We're eating a little late tonight, which is one of those things I hate as much as I do cliffhangers. Go figure.
Speaking of which--and since I enjoy talking to myself--book #3 is done. Sadly, I'm at a spot where I don't want to be. I'm talking cliffhanger territory. I HATE it when a book ends in a cliffhanger, but there was no avoiding it in this case. But, keep in mind that #3 is a first draft, so that could always change.
So where am I at in the whole series? Well, if all goes well, it'll be more than a trilogy like I had first planned. If all doesn't go well, then the few folks who bought my book might hate that I canceled the series the way I did. But only time will tell.
More important, I'm in the process of finding an editor for book #1. I need to do one more read through, especially of the first few chapters because I went from third person to first person through the first third of the book and I'm not sure if I cleaned up all of the POV switches.
Okay, dinner is done, so it's time to eat. We're eating a little late tonight, which is one of those things I hate as much as I do cliffhangers. Go figure.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Traffic
Does anyone know how to generate blog traffic? I've heard that you need to blog everyday. Well...that's not going to happen. Sorry guys, but I have a day job, too. And given the choice, I'd rather be writing than blogging.
I've heard so many stories about writers who have all of these ideas and ways to generate traffic to their blogs. I've also heard that what works for one person doesn't always work for someone else. So why chase a moving target?
So, if it's okay with everyone (or whoever's out there), I'll try to blog at least once a week. I can't promise anything, but I'm pretty sure my blogs won't be too much longer than this one. Oh, and you can bet some of this stuff will probably be scheduled to stretch out my time and make it seem like I'm sticking to my guns about blogging once a week.
Oh, and in case you're wondering, I do have a Twitter account. It's https://twitter.com/AuthorVGH. I have Facebook, too, but I'm not so sure if I'm ready to share it. Whenever I think about all of the latest and greatest networking tools and whether or not I should do them, it's like a slow-entry bullet to the brain. But if you're really inclined, check out my website for my FB address. I just can't promise I'll always be posting anything there. The only reason why I'm sharing my Twitter account is because it likes posts that are short and sweet.
Thanks for stopping by!
I've heard so many stories about writers who have all of these ideas and ways to generate traffic to their blogs. I've also heard that what works for one person doesn't always work for someone else. So why chase a moving target?
So, if it's okay with everyone (or whoever's out there), I'll try to blog at least once a week. I can't promise anything, but I'm pretty sure my blogs won't be too much longer than this one. Oh, and you can bet some of this stuff will probably be scheduled to stretch out my time and make it seem like I'm sticking to my guns about blogging once a week.
Oh, and in case you're wondering, I do have a Twitter account. It's https://twitter.com/AuthorVGH. I have Facebook, too, but I'm not so sure if I'm ready to share it. Whenever I think about all of the latest and greatest networking tools and whether or not I should do them, it's like a slow-entry bullet to the brain. But if you're really inclined, check out my website for my FB address. I just can't promise I'll always be posting anything there. The only reason why I'm sharing my Twitter account is because it likes posts that are short and sweet.
Thanks for stopping by!
Saturday, June 29, 2013
My First Post
The title says it all, I guess. And like most bloggers I have no idea what to put here that might attract millions of followers and boost my ratings into the stratosphere. But I guess I can talk a little bit about myself and go from there.
My name is VG Harrison and you can find my website at www.vgharrison.com. I'm an author who likes to combine science fiction and fantasy and come up with hopefully some good books to read.
My series The Solstice Project is about how things like vampires and werewolves evolved from ancient alien races that crash-landed on the planet and eventually inbred with the humans of the time to become the creatures that they are today. One problem. Their ancestors are coming back and their plans are to bring their galactic war to Earth. Nobody knows who these aliens are, but by the third book they will. Either way, it's going to be one hell of a fight. Oh, and one more thing. Humans don't know that preternatural creatures exist, but the government does and has long before the Roswell Incident. After all, they've been cannibalizing the technology from crash-landed UFOs for decades and using it to create secret communities and military bases that look like they're from the 25th century. The heroine's name is Ava Frost and reluctantly, she's at the center of it all because of the alien microchip that's evolving her brain.
So where am I right now? My beta reader has been reading the first book in the series, Section 51, and has only gotten a few pages into it with her interest peeked. That's a good thing because I've been stressing like a madman. In terms of writing, I'm halfway through the first draft of the third book. So wish me luck that I can complete the thing by the end of next month. That's the goal, anyway.
There are three books in the series. Section 51, Department 51, and Unit 51. I'd like to continue with Space 51 and perhaps a few more, but if the first three books don't sell well, I'm not going to bother with a fourth. I have no idea when I'll release the books. I just know that they will be released on after the other. I'm thinking a week apart, but we'll see. I'm hopeful for no later than Labor Day weekend.
Anyway, that's all I have for now. Don't be surprised if I'm short-winded on these things going forward, since this is my first blog. I just don't know what to say, but introducing myself and my books seemed like the logical thing to do.
Thanks for stopping by!
My name is VG Harrison and you can find my website at www.vgharrison.com. I'm an author who likes to combine science fiction and fantasy and come up with hopefully some good books to read.
My series The Solstice Project is about how things like vampires and werewolves evolved from ancient alien races that crash-landed on the planet and eventually inbred with the humans of the time to become the creatures that they are today. One problem. Their ancestors are coming back and their plans are to bring their galactic war to Earth. Nobody knows who these aliens are, but by the third book they will. Either way, it's going to be one hell of a fight. Oh, and one more thing. Humans don't know that preternatural creatures exist, but the government does and has long before the Roswell Incident. After all, they've been cannibalizing the technology from crash-landed UFOs for decades and using it to create secret communities and military bases that look like they're from the 25th century. The heroine's name is Ava Frost and reluctantly, she's at the center of it all because of the alien microchip that's evolving her brain.
So where am I right now? My beta reader has been reading the first book in the series, Section 51, and has only gotten a few pages into it with her interest peeked. That's a good thing because I've been stressing like a madman. In terms of writing, I'm halfway through the first draft of the third book. So wish me luck that I can complete the thing by the end of next month. That's the goal, anyway.
There are three books in the series. Section 51, Department 51, and Unit 51. I'd like to continue with Space 51 and perhaps a few more, but if the first three books don't sell well, I'm not going to bother with a fourth. I have no idea when I'll release the books. I just know that they will be released on after the other. I'm thinking a week apart, but we'll see. I'm hopeful for no later than Labor Day weekend.
Anyway, that's all I have for now. Don't be surprised if I'm short-winded on these things going forward, since this is my first blog. I just don't know what to say, but introducing myself and my books seemed like the logical thing to do.
Thanks for stopping by!
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