Writing – Page 7 – Ronin Writer

Author Interview – Joe R. Lansdale

Author Interviews, General, Writing April 26, 2012August 7, 2012 Travis

About four years ago, I launched this blog into an author interview project that included interviews with over sixty working authors at various stages of their careers. One of the things I learned from this project is just how many authors out there are darn fine, gracious people. I also learned a lot about how they do what they do, and if you’re a writer, go back through the archives, and you will too. The first author interview of this series was with Joe R. Lansdale. Before then, and up to now, he’s been one of my favorite writers. HisContinue readingAuthor Interview – Joe R. Lansdale

Rogues of the Black Fury Cover Preview

General, Writing March 19, 2012June 22, 2012 Travis

Here’s the new cover preview for the E-Reads edition. I feel like seven barrels of black powder about to go off… Cover artist Alan M. Clark.

World Horror Convention Appearances

Appearances, General, Writing March 19, 2012June 22, 2012 Travis

I’m delighted to report that I’ll be participating in two panels at the World Horror Convention next week in Salt Lake City. Writing for RPGs and Video Games – Saturday at 2:00 p.m. H.P. Lovecraft: the Short Stories – Sunday at 11:00 a.m. This will be my first trip to World Horror, so I’m really looking forward to it. It’s going to be a jam-packed four days. In addition to the panels, I am joining the mass autograph signing on Friday night at 8:00 p.m., and I believe I’m also doing a reading at some point.

CINEQUEST Film Festival: Screenplay Success

General, Movies, Writing March 11, 2012June 22, 2012 Travis

About three hours after my blog post yesterday, at the CINEQUEST Film Festival Writers Celebration, the eight finalists in attendance were coming back to the theatre from lunch, and one of the assistants pulled me and Mozhan Marno, one of the other finalists, aside and took us back stage. Internally, I was about to explode with the sense of impending … something. The assistant was very circumspect, trying very hard not to release any cats from bags. Finally, Mozhan and I realized that apparently we were the FINAL finalists. The assistant said, “When we announce your name, come on stage.”Continue readingCINEQUEST Film Festival: Screenplay Success

CINEQUEST Film Festival

General, Movies, Writing March 9, 2012June 22, 2012 Travis

So this is the first blog post in a loooong time that hasn’t been a podcast episode or a reminder about some upcoming appearance. A job in academia tends to preclude a lot of basic writerly pursuits. I’m sitting right now at a Starbuck’s in San Jose, CA, across from the San Jose Repertory Theatre, where I’m awaiting the start of the CINEQUEST Film Festival Writers Celebration. The screenplay I wrote with Jim Pinto, a horror-western called Death Wind, has made the Top 10 in the screenplay contest. This is not the first Top 10 or finalist status; DW gotContinue readingCINEQUEST Film Festival

New Interview at Podioracket

Appearances, Writing February 22, 2012June 22, 2012 Travis

Check out this new interview with yours truly at Podioracket.com! Which brings up a good point! I have been terribly remiss with keeping up with this blog, and I have also been remiss at putting out new episodes of Rogues of the Black Fury, in spite of my best intentions. The biggest reason for the last month is that I’ve been sick, and my voice has been shot. However, I am recovering. New episodes, coming soon!

The “Support Your Favorite Author” Holiday Shopping List

General, Writing December 15, 2011 Travis

Wouldn’t you just love to shop for people you love and support your favorite starving artist at the same time? Allow me to suggest the following gift ideas. Heart of the Ronin – Historical fantasy novel from E-Reads. Publisher’s Weekly calls it “a page-turning folkloric narrative of epic proportions.” Available also as an Ebook! “Snakes” – Horror novella, available print or Ebook from Damnation Books. Complete with a Holiday Promo code for 25% off your entire order! Here’s the Damnation Books Promo Code: 191W1WM6D6CY And, some anthologies including stories and essays by yours truly. Historical Lovecraft from Innsmouth Free PressContinue readingThe “Support Your Favorite Author” Holiday Shopping List

Healing Waves – Charity Anthology for Japanese Tsunami Relief

Appearances, General, Writing September 21, 2011 Travis

I was heartbroken when news of the Japanese tsunami came across the U.S. airwaves, even more so when news of the radioactive catastrophe began to leak. I still have many friends in Japan and cherish my memories from when I lived there. So when I heard about an anthology where all proceeds go to tsunami, I knew I had to submit some work there. Healing Waves from Sky Warrior Books contains an experimental essay, “A Haiku Pilgrimage”, and some poetry of mine. It also contains a piece from my friend and fellow SF author, Jay Lake. So please go toContinue readingHealing Waves – Charity Anthology for Japanese Tsunami Relief

Rogues of the Black Fury – Forthcoming from E-Reads

General, Writing September 1, 2011 Travis

I just breathed an enormous sigh of completion as I finished the final edit/copyedit of Rogues and sent it off to the publisher. That was a bigger job than I anticipated, especially when some conversations with the cover artist sparked a frenzy of re-mythologizing. I’m delighted to have Alan M. Clark on board as the cover artist for Rogues. He did the original cover for Heart of the Ronin, so if you know that one, you’re familiar with his work. I’m really excited to see the final product. Now it’s time to get back to creating NEW stuff (ahem, finishingContinue readingRogues of the Black Fury – Forthcoming from E-Reads

On the Road – Great Rocky Mountain Walkabout

General, Writing August 17, 2011August 17, 2011 Travis

So I just returned from a ten-day trip through the Rockies, northern plains, and Black Hills. Some might call it leaf mold, others, refilling the well, others, story fodder, but it was indeed an awesome trip. 2709 miles from start to finish. I do have stories to tell involving empty fuel tanks, wild life, breathtaking mountain scenery, thunderstorms, Indians, and fellow campers. If you ask, I shall regale you. Here’s a map of my route. Now it’s time to get back to the creative business. More podcast episodes, finish up Sword of the Ronin, and a couple of other double-secretContinue readingOn the Road – Great Rocky Mountain Walkabout

A Slither of “Snakes” from Damnation Books

General, Writing May 31, 2011May 31, 2011 Travis

I’m stoked to announce that my horror novella “Snakes” launches tomorrow, June 1, from Damnation Books. The publisher is running a special. Order it quickly enough and you might even get your copy for free! The pricing starts at $0.00 and increases by 25 cents for each purchase until it reaches the full cover price. So now’s the time to get your e-book copy.

First Lines Revisited

Author Interviews, General, Writing May 29, 2011 Travis

“Write a more compelling first line and I’ll read your article!” was one Facebook comment on my post about first lines. Point well taken. Could I have spruced up my first couple of lines? Certainly. Do I intend every blog post to be a fine crafted work of art and a juggernaut of intellectual persuasion? Nope. Ain’t got time. I’m too busy trying to write fiction. Nevertheless, readers did have things to say about this list. But first, here are the answers for my previous post on first lines.