I was recently interviewed at Book-in-a-week . For those who do not know, Book in a Week is a great motivational writing group.  Once a month for a week it’s all about BIC HOK TAM (butt in chair, hands on keyboard, typing away madly).  The people over there are great!

Well, I broke down and joined the Twitter sensation. I wasn’t sure how much I’d like it, but so far I’ve found it to be fascinating. I’m not the kind of person who likes to give constant updates, and I’m not sure anyone cares if I went to the bathroom, or what I had for lunch.  And, I don’t really care if what other people eat or when they need to take care of bodily functions…  At least I have the option to stop following people who insist on reporting everything they are feeling, doing, or thinking about doing. I can see how there’d be a lot of TMI on something like Twitter.  Having said that though….

I see many uses for Twitter. I’ve focused my following on mainly literary agents, authors and publishers. I feel it keeps me in the loop, makes me feel like I’m part of the industry–even though I’m still an unknown and outsider. Seeing the updates keeps me focused and is a constant reminder that I’m involved in writing, that I am writer.

Along with Twitter, I obviously have my website and blog to keep people informed. If I ever manage to attract a following other than my fiance’ and the furry feline congregation at home, they will come in handy. So Twitter will be for announcements and other nonsense, and the website and blog will be for much larger ideas and updates. I like the setup, it makes sense to me now, and I’m somewhat annoyed at myself for not joining Twitter earlier. Oh well.

On another note, this weekend I’ll be heading up to North Jersey to spend time with family and friends. I’m looking forward to spending Saturday evening eating, drinking, and talking with my old high school buddies.  One of which, is also a writer, but much further along in the process than me.  His blog can be checked out here:  Traveler’s Tales. I’m looking forward to seeing him and discussing writing and what’s been going on the past eight years or so since I last saw him.

And one last thing:  I’ve completed the edits on the short story which now has a name: Shadowsphere. I’ll be submitting it soon and hoping for the best!  In a very general sense, Shadowsphere is a story of loss, loss of faith, and the restoration of faith in a science fiction setting.

Until next time–happy writing and happy living!

Alistair

It’s been a while since I last posted, but quite a few things have been happening!  First off, before I went on vacation to Novia Scotia, I finished the first draft of the fantasy novel and a first draft of a science fiction short story.

The short story I intend to enter into the Writers of the Future contest.  It’s actually the first short story I’ve ever written.  I wasn’t sure if I’d like to write short stories, but I have to say, it was quite enjoyable.  So, I’m polishing that story in order to submit it by the end of August. I intend to keep writing short stories while in revision mode on the fantasy novel.  I may just end up with a short story that begs to be turned into a novel.

Vacation was great. That trip to Nova Scotia was the first time I’d been to a foreign country since 1988 I think.  Quite a long drought huh?  Canada was a lot of fun, and during the course of the trip I got engaged to the most wonderful, intelligent, caring, and beautiful woman.  I was very lucky she said yes.  :)

It was hell coming back from Canada though…I had to be back in Virginia for the movers the morning after we got back, but the flight was delayed.  It was beginning to feel a lot like the movie Planes, Trains and Automobiles for a while.  In the end I made it home, but only had a few hours to sleep before the movers showed up.  But it all worked out.  I am now in an even better townhouse, in a better neighborhood.  My fiance’ (what a wonderful thing to be able to write) will be joining me Virginia in early October.  So for now I continue to be looked after by my two furry little friends Juniper and Woobie.

Anyhow, it’s great to be back, and there will be more updates soon!

Alistair