A Return on My Investment

April 29, 2008

The power went out over and over again shortly after we moved here. It’s a problem, I’m told, with being close to the forest in an area where it storms. The soil is rich, but loose. And when the spring rains come, trees fall.

It is unlike Nebraska, my home, where the branches are snapped from the trunks and tossed about. Here, in Virginia, the branches hold but the tree falls…onto power lines. No power means no water…as our supply comes from an electrical pump. So last year, when the spring rains came, we bought a generator and waited for it to rain.

I believe last summer’s drought was the worst in quite awhile. Our garden died. Atlanta’s water supply threatened to dry up. And that damned generator sat…a $700 dollar investment taking up space once used for children’s bicycles.

It stormed here last night. The soil, unable to keep its grip on the enormous roots of tall trees, let go. And trees fell…on top of cars, houses, fences…and power lines.

Our generator worked on the first try. After a year of sitting in wait, it started…finally of some use. It’s back in the shed today, resting up for the next storm, no doubt.

But I can’t help thinking about that generator today as I sit down to write. I have notebooks filled with drafts I’ve tossed aside, taking up space on shelves I could use for other things. And yet, like that stupid generator, they are an investment; of time and of creativity. So I’ll let them stay where they are to remain exactly what they are…a cache of ideas and inspiration for days when my power goes out.

Run, Marla, Run

There are times when research overtakes the time I normally use to write. And sometimes, if I am completely honest, the research doesn’t necessarily pertain to my current project. Things come up…things I just have to know.

For example, this morning, as I was jogging in place, my husband mentioned Marla Maples and her exercise video. And he was looking at my chest at the time. Hmmm.

Unlike most men who were between the ages of 18 and 35 in the year 1991, I had no idea Marla Maples made an exercise video. “How,” I inquired of my husband, “in the hell did you know that?” He grinned and said, “Everyone knows that.”

Hmmm. I thought to myself, “It’s time for some research. I know exactly what I’m going to do after everyone leaves for school and work today.”

As soon as the house was quiet, I Googled Marla Maples exercise video and was shocked at the amount of hits. Joe Bob Briggs’s 1992 review of her video cassette workout was at the top of the list. Go figure.

I wonder if Joe Bob continues to review videos on a regular basis or if he just did this when he was in the 18-35 year old demographic. Oh dear, there’s another thing to research today.

Joe Bob spends a lot of time talking about how Marla works out to elevator music while she confesses that “yes, she does worry about her figure.” Great. Thanks, Joe Bob. And thank-you Marla.

You Tube came through on the hit list as well, proving beyond all doubt that Marla still appeals to that 18-35 y/o male demographic. If you want, you can catch a 32 second video panning her butt, which is snugly wrapped in orange bike shorts, while she does leg lifts. Exactly how many women ever watched this? Now, there’s a number worth researching.

It’s twenty minutes past nine on this Friday morning, as I complete this post. Research on Marla Maples has provided me with just over a half page worth of material. But I can’t say the time I spent researching her was time poorly spent. My questions have been answered. Yes, Marla Maples made an exercise video. And yes, her voice in the video was as annoying as I remembered it to be. Yes, it is obvious my husband watched the video when he was a young twenty-something lad. And yes, yes, yes, I’ve wasted an hour of my life on Marla Maples…an hour I can never retrieve.

It’s a tough lesson to learn. But for a writer with an inquisitive mind, isn’t that the way it always is? You tap a vein of ore hoping to strike gold…once in awhile you do. Marla Maples gave me orange bike shorts today, not gold. And yet I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

The Naked City...Film Review

The Naked City

Since I’m not a native New Yorker, I felt a little precocious about seeing the city “Naked.” But, as I also happen to be as voyeuristic as the next guy, I decided, “what the hell?” and I watched. Let me tell you…the sheer number of people milling around, getting on and off the subway, living their lives, eating their lunch…well, it’s staggering to a small town girl like me. I found myself wanting to shove my children out of the way, saying, “Move it, pal,” as I made my way to the fridge for a soda during viewing.

The Naked City was filmed on location in 1948, during the peak of the film noir era. At the time, “on location” movies were unusual (so I’ve been told) and this was fresh and new for America. For the first time, movie goers were allowed to see the city as it lived, making New York the biggest star of the film.

Other unusual features of this movie: there are no opening credits and not much of a musical score. But we aren’t allowed to feel disappointed. After all, a narrator jumps in immediately, warning us that this film is “unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.” And, in case we forget, he jumps in throughout the film from time to time, underscoring the amount of work it is for a department to catch a killer.

The movie was directed by Jules Dassin and produced by Mark Hellinger. Barry Fitzgerald plays the sharp Irish cop, comes with his own brogue and everything, assisted by Don Taylor as Jimmy Halloran…the leg man. Together they work to track down the killer of a blonde named Jean Dexter, found dead in her bathtub. Strangled. Chloroformed. With a big, black starred sapphire in her possession and a pair of men’s pajamas in the bedroom.

First of all, NOT film-noir. If I had to classify this movie…and I do…I’d say it’s an original docu-drama. We are taken along with the cops, none of whom have any skeletons in their closets, as they try to solve the case. They bring in suspects, one by one, throw the book at ‘em, and let ‘em go. But the list of potential murderers narrows and eventually, a crime ring is uncovered. There’s none of the self-destructive downward spiral for the main characters in this film…all of that takes place with the crooks here, so we don’t feel the angst and the devastation as the film reaches its climax.

But it’s got a halfway decent foot chase and it’s worth watching, if you get a chance. I wouldn’t run out and buy it…check your local listings.

Interview with Author David Boyle

My friend, David Boyle, is the author of Blood Works, released by Arctic Wolf Publishing this winter. Blood Works is available at all major online bookstores.

Your book, Blood Works, is a collection of short fiction. Tell us about it.
First of all, I'd like to thank you for taking precious time out of your hectic writing schedule to discuss my book. I look forward to reading "The Deputy's Widow" this year!
To answer your first question,the anthology is filled with tales of ordinary people stepping into horrific situations. The stories in "Blood Works" are little episodes we often encounter simply by getting out of bed in the morning and going about daily life. The tales explore the small things that we rarely think twice about. Then, when horror is injected into them, it radically changes the outcome. And I can only hope that the readers will take the book for a ride and say "I've been in that place before!" Or on the other hand, "I hope that never happens to me!"

How long did it take you write Blood Works...years? Months?
It would be hard to calculate the exact amount of time it took, but I will try and offer a gauge. A couple of years ago I started writing the tales for "Blood Works" at nights and on weekends. I found myself stealing time to create. I would write during my breaks at work and usually stay up past my bed time to unload the ideas into the typewriter. It would be safe to say that somewhere from six months to a year had elapsed when I found the majority of the anthology was complete. But being it was written at odd times makes it difficult to be more accurate.

Do you have a favorite story in the book?
I don't, Jennifer. They are all close to my heart as is everything I pen. But occasionally a reader will have one that hits close to home for them and for that moment when they are telling me all about it, I am reliving the tale and it's a cool feeling for me. And of course during our conversation I'm charged up about that specific story. I just can't take sides with any of the selections at this point. Perhaps down the road if I'm able to enjoy longevity in this business I will have a clearer angle at choosing a favorite. Because I think that when you end up doing something artistically for a long stretch of time, you realize that some segments of your catalogue hold up better than others.

Who do you read to inspire you?
I draw inspiration from life in general; movies, books, people, relationships, etc. I don't limit myself as to where I take from. I'll use any means possible to feed my craft. Anything can be put to good use when you stop and think about it. I really can't think of a book I've read over the years that didn't touch a chord with me, and that's the truth. Even if the story is not what I expected I always find myself saying "WOW" frequently during the read.


Who do you read for enjoyment?
I will read anyone. There is an extensive list of books I plan on buying this year, including yours, Jennifer. There are many talented writers that I have had the pleasure of finding on Myspace this year, and once I get things in order I am doing lots of book shopping to support their work.

You mentioned that you write during breaks at work or during the evenings at home. Is there any specific place that brings you more inspiration than another?
I have written in many different places, and fortunately it has never been too difficult to focus. I find that ideas strike me at the strangest times too; when I least expect it. For example, I remember when I was working on some of the stories for "Blood Works" and during this one day in particular I was enjoying a beautiful summer day with my wife. We were eating ice cream cones sitting on the tailgate of my truck talking about life in general, sharing a few laughs and such. It was in the middle of our conversation that a wave of inspiration washed over me. At that second, I discovered the concept for one of the tales in my book called "Blink of an Eye." I never suspected that something so dark would hit me on such a glorious day. When we returned home later that afternoon, I hit the keyboard and started writing. During my session at the typewriter there were kids playing in the streets, screaming, playing basketball, riding bikes, etc. But the story was eating away inside and it was time to get it out. And I don't always find it easier to write horror at night as opposed to the day. When the moment is knocking at my door and it feels natural, I'm ready to create and allow the story to take on a life of its own.

Do you read books on "how to write?"
I don't, Jennifer. I know I want to write and that I love to tell my stories. I believe every author has their own approach to the craft. But I do have much to learn and as I write each day I try to become a better storyteller. To be honest with you, I believe my journey as an author will be one of continuous learning and that I will never know it all. I always try something different every once in a while. For me, there's not just one way of doing things. The craft of storytelling, like other arts, is all about experimentation. To me it is, at least. Countless times I've been thousands of words into writing a tale only to delete most of it because it wasn't working correctly. My approach is hands on and being honest with myself and my work, first and foremost. A "how to" book is a resource I have not used up to this point. I believe trial and error will light my way.

Who would you like most to be compared to as a writer? Why?
I never think about being compared to anyone. Sure, if someone did compare me to a popular and talented author it's a flattering statement to make, but I just want to develop my own voice and hopefully readers will respond to it. That's all I could ever ask for. I'm never one to say "I want to be the next..." I'm not interested in proclamations of that kind. I only want to write and create to my potential and enjoy the ride.

What are you working on now?
I just keep writing, Jennifer. I try and find the time each day to put something down on paper and have fun. That's my philosophy on things. When life gets in the way and I'm unable to get thoughts down on paper, I don't get frustrated or alarmed. I take it one day at a time. This past week I was able to work on four stories at the same time. I really enjoyed doing that and all of the tales were fresh in my head and the sessions at the keyboard were productive. I'm just happy to be part of this art.

Will you ever write a full-length novel? What about?
If a story leads me down that path one day I will. But I'm not an author that focuses on length at all. Many people ask me this question and it's a good one. It would not be difficult for me to expand my short stories into longer works. But at this point there is something fascinating to me about short fiction. I enjoy packing as much punch as possible into a rapid-fire story. It's a fun and creative challenge for me when I want to get a story out and I try to keep the core of the tale confined and get to the flesh of it faster. Plus, for the readers that don't have a lot of time to invest in a longer story, a sudden jolt of fear during the day or before bed gets the job done.

Tell us about your upcoming short film. When and where will folks be able to see it? What's it about? How did the idea to turn it into a picture come about?
It all started with a message I received from the talented Dave Jackson from "Jack Action Films." He had read some of my work and enjoyed it. He discussed the opportunity there was to work with him on one of my shorts. Mr. Jackson read the story "Blindsided" I wrote and informed me that he wanted to script it for screen. I really admire his approach to writing and to his preparation of fiction to film. He was very respectful of my story and most of all he amazed me with his creativity and passion for the project. I have learned a lot from him about the contrast between writing a story for a book, and for film. The approach is worlds apart. Without giving too much away, I will say "Blindsided" is about trying to prove that this character, a psychic, is a fraud. It is being shot this spring in Canada and as production rolls along I will eventually learn more about where interested fans can see it.

Any future plans for additional films based off your work?
I have discussed opportunities with other filmmakers and it's been a real treat. If it happens, that's great. You never know what's in store for you. I have always wanted to work/write in the horror cinema world and perhaps with a great deal of luck it could happen. For now I am excited to see what Mr. Jackson does with "Blindsided." From working with him so far and seeing his talent and enthusiasm for the tale I can only see great things coming to life.

Do you come by your writing ability naturally? Any other writers in the family?
I do not come by writing naturally at all. I'm not even sure what kind of ability I possess. I will leave that answer to the readers. I keep working at it, and with some luck perhaps I'll learn much more about being the best storyteller I can be. My brother is a screenwriter. He lives in North Carolina and he has penned many tales of his own.

How important is a good support system to you as a writer?
Very important! When a writer sits down to spill his guts he/she needs encouragement from all around them. It helps you find balance. Often times I have found that good supporters usually have great ideas on how you can propel your craft further. I think solid support is necessary no matter what you do. There are people out there that risk their lives everyday and are brave beyond any character I could ever imagine in a story, and much more than I'll ever be. Those are the ones that need the most support.

What advice do you have for new/aspiring writers?
I don't have much to offer on this one, Jennifer. I am in no position to steer anybody toward a certain road. There is no map to guide the way. I am here as a result of luck and good fortune. I just hope others who try their hand at the pen find what they are looking for.

Writing Under Fire

Writing on the Battlefield

March 7, 2008

I have three children. The oldest, at age 15, is filled with teen-aged angst and introspection and spends much of his time in his room, where he can brood over life’s meaning.

The other two, age eleven (a boy on the brink of peachfuzz) and eight (a blonde-haired blue-eyed beauty of a daughter, God help us) have procured a book on the making of paper airplanes.

They kneel at the coffee table with their brows furrowed, their lips pursed in concentration, the stapler clacking away as they secure the wings and the nose. When it’s all assembled, it is time, naturally, for a test flight. A sleeve is rolled up, an arm is pulled back, and the missile is launched.

Our dogs run for cover. (We have three. Big. Dogs.)

And despite what you’ve heard about Akitas and Dobermans, they are really just big babies.

Big. Big. Babies.

And they can knock my husband (imagine Jason Statham with muscles) right over if he is caught unawares.

My husband works at night sometimes, sitting in his mission-style chair, computer propped on his lap, saving the world one database at a time. I sit, more properly, at a tiny desk where I can look out the front window at the pear trees…which are starting to blossom. From this poetic spot in my living room, I can daydream about the lavish life of a writer, the next plot point in my current novel. Should there be a love scene or not? Should I re-work chapter 4?

All this while paper missiles fly overhead, landing on my keypad. If the Department of Defense only knew what battles are waged in the living room of this DBA and his family, they might rethink the entire Iraq situation.

My world is gangsters, dames, roscoes, thumb-breaking, and infidelity…all happening in concert with a bottle of bourbon and a pack of unfiltereds.

My children and my husband live lives that are more high-tech. In their worlds, computers talk to each other over thousands of miles, information is sent to secret places even a wife can’t know about…and paper airplanes, secured with scotch tape and staples, fly below the radar and get tangled in my hair while dogs duck and cover and wait for the war to stop.

Such is the glamorous life of this writer.

Feelin' The Love

Loving Your Characters While Raising The Stakes

To make a reader care about your work…your book, your short story, your characters, you have to “raise the stakes”…at least that’s what the experts tell us. This is a tough row to hoe at times. Of course I want my fiction to be compelling…I want Baker to be memorable and honorable and interesting. But I can’t make him that way if I allow him to live in a vacuum. Whether I like it or not, I have to toss problems in his direction and let him solve them.

I confess, this hurts me sometimes. He finds himself in peril…standing on the edge of a cliff, looking into the barrel of a gun with nowhere to go. He looks at me with his eyebrow cocked. “Why?” he wants to know. “Why do you do this to me over and over and over?”

I could say something trite like “Because I love you.” Ugh. Too cliché. I could say, “This hurts me more than it hurts you,” but that would be a lie and we all know it. I guess if I wanted to give Baker a good answer as I write him to the edge of the cliff and over the side I’d say, “I want you to grow. I want to make you better.”

But still I sense his bewilderment and the sense of betrayal he feels as I toss him over the edge with nothing beneath but jagged rocks crawling with starving crocodiles; nothing above but a pack of rabid wolves, three carnivorous bears, a wolverine, and a skunk; and a python slinking its way along the scraggly branch from which Baker hangs.

“Come on, man, this is no fair,” he says.

Ok, I say it. “I do this because I love you.” And in a weird way, I mean it. Today, I don’t think he believes me.

Big Dog...Big Crash

Falling Out of Bed

When the house shakes at 3:00 in the morning my first thought, since I don’t live anywhere near a fault line, is “thunderstorm” or, since I live in redneck central, “the neighbors are shooting skeet in their backyard again.” I don’t believe I’ve ever thought to myself “Oh, dear. The dog has fallen out of bed.” And yet….

Sigh. And yet…it happened. The King of Our Beasts, the one hundred pounder, appropriately named Apollo, tumbled from our king sized bed, onto the floor. The house shook violently for a moment. When the aftershocks subsided, my husband sat up and said, “Did you hear something?”

Apollo was ok, too tired to do much of anything except moan a little at the disturbance before rolling over exactly where he landed and falling asleep.

“The dog fell,” I said. “And now he’s gone to sleep again.” I was leaning over the bed and looking at the great mound of black muscle spread eagled, feet up in the air, tongue hanging out the side of his mouth…snoring.

My husband smiled a little and lay down. “That is so him.”

And it is. It is so Apollo to fall out of bed in the middle of the night. But it is even more him to shrug off the interruption in his routine and make the best of the situation. If he can’t sleep in the bed, he’ll sleep on the floor…happily.

So what about me, the writer? If I can’t be a best seller, am I content for mid-list? If I can’t be mid-list, am I content with the simple honor of being published? If Arctic Wolf hadn’t signed me, would I have had the courage to self-publish?

Occasionally, I get frustrated. I feel like a failure. I want success; but in this new, unexplored territory, I don’t know how to measure it.

Today I find myself wondering how my dog measures it…I think success to him is having someplace where he can stretch out. And he stretches out no matter where he is. He is happy no matter what…even if he has fallen out of bed. The old saying, “Bloom where you are planted,” is his bumper sticker.

And so I sigh again today. It is humbling to take a lesson from a dog…especially one with no grace…and a tongue the size of Delaware. But as I look into those big, vacant, brown eyes, I can’t help but think that this creature is a good influence on me. But don’t tell anyone I said so.