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December 31st, 2006

10:11 pm - Year's End *sigh* Lots of stuff went on this year, but I am not going to dwell on it right now. There was good stuff and bad stuff. Painful and pleasant. You know how it goes. I was looking at my account on the Science Fiction Book Club page and looking at all the different books. It came to me that all I would need to do is write a book with everything in it to get on board with SFBC and probably become a best seller. (yeah, right...it might have to be good too, but that's a risk I am willing to take) Let's see, what things need to be in it? Dragons, the book has to have dragons, and magick if possible. Then there also has to be sex -- look at what Laurel Hamilton writes, not much to redeem her latest offering other than gratuitous sex scenes. If I can set the book in an earlier, exotic historical period, like the Regency or maybe the British Raj...possibly during the Boxer Rebellion in China or the Civil War in the US...even the one in the sixteen hundreds in Great Britain. Ah! how about the time of the original Vlad? Vlad Tepes, the model for Dracula, Vlad the impaler...might be a little to brutal, but possibly workable. Now, I also need some space opera thrown in. If I could have a lost space craft pass on its way back from an extra-solar trip, have problems with its warp drive, catapulting it into the past to one of the aforementioned time periods with the hot blooded male captain, a coolly calculating female first mate and several other stereotypical space characters (maybe even an alien--or maybe have the aliens pursuing the earth crew to begin with) meet up with real magic-using witches who summon dragons and have sex with them and then use the relationships established with all the convoluted plots to defeat the Turks or whoever the bad guys end up being and establish a Techno-Caliphate...that might be the start of a whole series of books. It could happen! Would you read a book like that? Current Location: at my computer, where else. Current Mood: artistic Current Music: Probably Auld Lang Syne pretty soon.

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November 20th, 2006

11:04 pm It always seems to take so long between entries. I'm sorry but this just doesn't seem like an intimate conversation between me and a few close friends. Tell me, do you feel like I am talking directly to you? So anyway. Life goes on. Diane, Karen and I are resurrecting a projetct we were working on many months ago. Cool ideas, cool concepts and something a little new. At last count we have well over 50k wds and are still only getting into the meat of the story. Reads real quick and one thing I noticed is that a lot of it reads like it was written by stort story writers. Tight, concise, to the point, not a lot of meandering or such. And we mention things again and again thru the different chapters. *sigh* We WILL have to go back and tweak. Foreshadowing is one thing, but clubbing the reader over the head again and again is another. November has been a draggy month for it though. Everybody is getting stuff done in other venues and nothing is being done on the novel again. We round robin the chapters and I don't have anything to work on. Did some notes for chapter ten but can't really go anywhere with it until six thru nine are a little more in place. So, at the recommendation of a party who shall remain nameless (Karen!) I am working on some short stories I have left hanging for too long. Rewrites and completions and the challenge to have 4 stories out by January. The things I set up for myself. Hmmm..what else. Did I mention I did a shoot in Rochester NY? For a Time-Warner commercial. I played the scary, mean Math teacher. Certain people opined that it was clearly a case of type casting. I got to drive to Rochester the weekend of the big snow in Buffalo. It was a good trip and a wonderful shoot. Light, Cameras, a full crew of people, including grips, best boys, wardrobe mistress and make-up artist. What a great experience it was. I can't wait to do it all again. But again, no auditions since the commercial. I have trouble believing that the market dries up immediately after you get a part. Chakra cards, ask me about them. Part of a project Karen is putting together. She should be able to sell the idea to a publisher. Work is the same, in too many ways, as it ever is. Talking on AIM now, maybe more a little later. Current Location: loft -- cold nose and all Current Mood: and making progress Current Music: Celtic Moods -- with Loreena Mckennit and Sinead

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August 7th, 2006

09:22 pm Confluence is over. Long time now, a week. Things change, things stay the same. I don't know for sure whether it was cellulitis -- an infection in my hand -- or if it was gout, pseudo-gout, or what that put my hand in such pain, redness and swelling, that took me to the ER at St Claire on Friday night. They put me on an antibiotic and gave me pain killers (which I didn't use). the Ibuprofen seemed to do the trick, that and the bathing of the affected appendage in warm soapy water. Almost all better now. I'm still a little stiff and a don't have as much strength as I usually have in the hand. So the hand is improving and my neck is stiff and sore. I don't know what is going on. I also seem to have pulled a muscle in my groin (don't ask) I think I did it when I mowed the lawn yesterday. I inadvertently stepped in some dog poo--fresh dog poo--and we don't even have a dog anymore and twisted in the take off. I think that is what pulled the muscle. And I probably didn't improve my situation with the exuberant activities later in the day. All of it worth it, I assure you, every single second. I got to spend more time with Sharon this year than I have in the last three combined. I miss her. One thing (among many) could have made this an even better year: if Andi could have come out for Con also, that would have been miraculous and marvelous. I had hoped to spend some quality time with several people this year, but, alas, that was not to be. I am sure Bill and Brea felt like afterthoughts, sometimes. I do too, sometimes. We had promised to sit and talk and relax at least one of the two nights, or at some point in one of the afternoons. then the adventure of the hand occurred on Friday night, we had to do the play on Saturday night, I ran lines a good part of the afternoon leading up to it and then afterwards, there was too much confusion, one child accusing the other (basically two tired kids who needed some quiet alone time)and I don't even remember much else. After Con, I expect we could have gone to Laurie and Jim's for the dead dog, but I was pooped and had two other people in tow. It was better that I went home. Of course, once I was home, I got to cook dinner for my sib and son and me. No rest for the wicked. A long week ensued and life goes on. I'll tell you about it sometime. I don't know if it sounds like it, but I do find myself in a somewhat introspective mood. Current Location: in the loft, where else? Current Mood: thoughtful

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July 10th, 2006

09:32 pm - time passes. time passes, but doesn't it always? I don't remember how long ago I updated, but things have progressed and changed, as they always do. My son, Ryan, turned 14. We went on a kind of family vacation to Cedar Point, Ohio -- a theme park for those far, far away and interested in that sort of thing. I was sick as a proverbial dog for three days before hand -- running fevers as high as (and possibly higher than)102.6. I had to take an antibiotic and massive doses of Aleve (I can't remember the generic name, so consider that trademark symbol associated with the drug I took) to get myself into shape for the trip. I was relatively okay by Thursday when we actually started riding. My wife issued an ultimatum earlier in the week, threatening dire circumstance if I was sick for the trip. truth. We are running around, crazy three weeks before Confluence. Our play is still being put together, only a couple of people actually have anything like most of their lines memorized (I am not one of them) Set pieces, signs, costumes and ancillary parts of the productions are still not done and nobody stepping forth to help take up slack...It is making Karen and me even more nuts than usual. Still, I am looking forward to Confluence. this year I am one of the officially invited participants. I am on at least two panels and I look forward to all the interaction that promises to take place. I hope this is a good year... A friend of mine, Andy, whom I don't communicate often enough with, wrote me that he and his wife (of course) just had another baby. Beautiful little girl born June 22. Mom, dad, brother and sister all pleased and all doing well. He also told me about his band, Funmoney, now being defunct. I was saddened by that. His music is as much a part of his very existence as my writing and art are of mine. I'm sure he will get into a new band. in the meantime, I invited him to a whole new musical experience. We will be having a filk night on thursday July 27. It was originally supposed to be at the Starlite Lounge in Blawnox, but the venue has been changed to Moondog's -- which I understand is right next door. I'm not sure what all that will mean, but I know Randy was happy. And so it goes. Current Location: the loft, where else? Current Mood: hopeful Current Music: Guys and Dolls, Guards and Dragons...

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May 28th, 2006

01:47 pm - Memorial Day well, not exactly Memorial Day, but the weekend, anyway. I would love to say "lots to do" but that would be a slight exaggeration. there are certainly things that need doing -- both around the house and in my wildly varied and variable life. I have a hillside that may have new species of weeds just waiting for my attack, I have a house that laughs at vacuum cleaners and mops. I have children still asleep on this warm (at last!) Saturday at 1:51pm. I have stories I want to be working on and I have artwork I would like to devote some time to. All these things waiting for action and very little motivation to pursue much...*sigh*... I *have* done some things since 8:00, when I got up--made coffee, picked up Newspapers at the store, repaired a vacuum cleaner, fixed an omelet, showered (I know, "thank God.") and, of course, written this journal entry. Just more to do and no real list to check things off... BTW, for those who were waiting, I finally *did* get paid by my agent...I got the check April 24 or 25 -- just before the ninety day mark. I had a call for an audition that was then canceled and that's where things are right now. No new auditions since January. I called them a few days ago and asked if there was a problem; they told me there were no problems but that they needed some new headshots and resumes. If I want work, I guess I have things to do there, too. Hope you have fun at the garage sales and yard sales. Miss you. Current Mood: relaxed Current Music: just the voices in my head... ;)

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April 10th, 2006

08:01 pm - Things I *should* be doing. I know "should" is not a good word (or excuse) to keep in one's vocabulary. But I am sitting here procrastinating when I should be working on the story I promised for the Parsec short story contest. I have perhaps 1100 wds on the first draft and things to do before the deadline on Saturday. I have rehearsal for the play on Monday; I *should* read Joseph's chapters for WorD on Tuesday; luckily Ryan doesn't have dance on Wednesday -- but I usually do a lot of writing when I am there, there isn't much else to do, and then Thurday, Friday--another rehearsal or calendar meeting perhaps, and then, the deadline. I can write fast if I want to, it's all a matter of motivating myself... sheesh. Lots has happened, and I am still waiting to be paid by the Talent Group for the spot I was in. It filmed January 27th and I still wait. Oh, and I haven't had an audition since the week after that. I wonder if I did something wrong... I am still working -- and going crazy from it. I am doing some free lance make-up work for some photographers. sometimes. I have a Model Mayhem site showing some of the work I've done. go to ModelMayhem.com and use my site number: 105825 to find me. I like to think it is some good stuff. I also worked outside today. Cleaning gardens, raking leaves and overseeing poor Ryan, who only thinks he hates gardening more than me. So what's going on in *your* life? Current Mood: lethargic Current Music: just silence and the guilty hum of the computer fan

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January 14th, 2006

09:42 pm - end of another week Nothing much to say. Other people grouse about work, I could too. Not many people would read or care. I average close to 600 (or more) phone calls answered each week--spending an average of about four minutes or less on each call. All this and I still have time for breaks and lunch...and that's about all. Are other people as dragged down by winter as I am? I hate it that I go to work and it's dark and when work is done, it's dark all over again. I heard rumors of sunshine the last two days and I even leaned way back in my cubicle to look out the window. I saw what I have to believe is blue sky. Maybe there's hope after all. I added a new away message to my AIM group. "I hate when the exigencies of real life interfere with my self generated amusements." It was inspired by trying to write in my journal and having to answer the phones (at work). does any of this interest anybody? there are those whom I love. Sorry, I am a little down this week. Frustrations with work, family and other situations. I don't write as much as I want, I don't draw as much as I like and it still gets too damn cold in January. oh, and one last thing. Karen helped me make contact with a local filmmaker hopeful and last Saturday we did some scenes for a film he is putting together. A horror piece. He had been playing the killer, but would rather direct only and not have to worry about himself in any role. So he "tested" me for the part and seemed to love the result. He also like the energy and chemistry between me and his female lead. On a down note, I had an audition for a paying part in a spot to be filmed on Monday the 16th. I haven't heard anything so I expect I didn't get this one either. :::sigh::: Current Mood: gloomy Current Music: Riverdance

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January 9th, 2006

08:49 pm - Forward, into the year and on to glory (I don't know, I just thought it sounded impressive.) A long time since last update. Not at all like some people who can write about their lives at the drop of a preposition. Lots of stuff. I had a story critiqued by both Worldwrights and WorDites. I was happy with it and then checked the sub-guidelines only to find out I may need to cut the story by more than half in order for it to be considered for the market I have planned. I am of a mind to trim it a little, mainly to tighten it up, and submit it anyway. Let the editor say "no thanks." or "very nice, can you trim a touch?" or even, "very nice, it's a little long but if you're willing to work with us, we can always split it and run it in two issues..." Let me dream. Christmas was as Christmas is. Let the statement stand. Did some things I loved over the holiday season; did other things I had to. The new year got off to a rousing start and if New Year's Eve into New Year's Day is any indication, 2006 is going to be a glorious adventure. Hope you all have adventures planned, too. Current Mood: chipper Current Music: Loreena McKennit

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October 6th, 2005

10:58 pm - sometimes things go not well, but great. Folks may or may not know, I went down to the Talent Group on Monday. That's the place Faith Dickinson, a local muckety muck in Women in Film and Media, was involved with (I guess). I had a headshot that was referred to as a really expensive looking portrait photo (thanks Karen!!) and a new performance resume. I also had some of the other shots for my portfolio. They seemed pleased with what I had. (And as a plus, they were impressed by her other work too.) Anyway, when all was said and done on Monday, they told us to call back on Wednesday or Thursday to see if they would be interested in us. I had gone back in to grab my portfolio and Steve, the man who had lead the whole meeting/audition, told me to *definitely* call on Wednesday. "Be sure to call us Wednesday, I think we have some stuff you would be right for." :::sigh::: long story short, I didn't initiate any call to the Talent Group. I didn't have a chance -- they called me first! I was at work and they called me at 12:15. They left a message on my voicemailasking me to call them back. I called and they said they would like to represent me and asked when could I come down and sign a contract. I said I could come down on Thursday of next week at about 5:30. Mary, the woman who called, said that would be fine and to bring 50 resumes and head shots. I asked if they wanted the 8x10's or would another size be preferred. She said the 8x10's would be great. And they want the 50 because they will keep half and send half to their other office in Ohio; Cleveland, I think. I don't know that I have ever had a good thing happen quite so easily. (see me dancing in my mind?) Current Mood: ecstatic

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September 25th, 2005

04:40 pm - are you a pirate too? My pirate name is: Black Davy Rackham Like anyone confronted with the harshness of robbery on the high seas, you can be pessimistic at times. You have the good fortune of having a good name, since Rackham (pronounced RACKem, not rack-ham) is one of the coolest sounding surnames for a pirate. Arr! courtesy of fidius.org Current Mood: predatory Current Music: sea chanties

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August 28th, 2005

08:28 pm - It's about time for an update I know it's been a long time since the last time I updated this. Even Diane, who went to Scotland right after Confluence; who was sick--basically on the plane back from Scotland after worldcon, even Karen, who all but masterminded the PARSEC Calendar (okay, we *all* helped, but still...)even they have new entries up. I am remiss and I throw myself at your mercy. Just making the time seems to be a problem with me nowadays. Let's see. I went on a cruise with the family in June which was aluded to a previous entry. I think. Skated through the month of July to get to Confluence. My sister Sharon came up from Texas and Chuck came down from New York. I think a good time was had by all. There is always so much to do and never enough time to do it that weekend. Lots of writers, lots of talking and lots of hijinks. Yes, I said hijinks. You'd have to see the play. It would all make sense. Through the month of August, I survived yet another birthday. If you really have to know, I can tell you, but if I do, you will owe me big time...And now that the month winds down, Ryan prepares to go back to school. Eighth grade, woo woo... And Nora prepares to start classes at Temple. We took her on Thursday -- across the state to Philadelphia -- and set her up in her suite. Quite an adventure. Any long drive is. And spent the weekend recovering, among other things. Trying to straighten rooms, with no reward. And Meredith looks at another year at North Hills HS as an aide/tutor/coach/motivator and who knows what else. Ah, well. Another season come and gone. The year turns its hands to shutting down and shuttering up for the winter. A hot, humid summer tapers into a cool rainy Autumn. looking toward cozy days and falling leaves. Current Mood: thoughtful

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August 12th, 2005

10:41 pm - Summer fun I'm sitting in my loft (renaissancewoman thinks it is so much more romantic to call it that than to call it an attic) IMing with her and my sister. There is some hope about registering the script for "Dangermoon." And a little shopping around...who knows? My name on a short film as the story writer, could be very cool. And it could lead to other stories and scripts with the same characters. for those who have read "Dangermoon," you know it is a little on the spicy side. Well, it seems that there is a market for...ummm...let's just call it 'vivid erotica' and it certainly satisfies that particular niche. The thought would be to have Sir Geoffrey, the Victorian Explorer, travel the world of the pre Twentieth Century, righting wrongs and learning the value of other cultures and especially of other women in those cultures...or something like that. It would be a fun thing to do -- and a challenge as well: to write several ongoing stories using the same character, allowing him and/or her to grow and change because of the experiences, just like in real life... I guess it would all depend on whether it sells and whether any more episodes would be wanted. I'll keep y'all posted. And if it does get made, I don't know if it would be one more step to full membership in SFWA or not. So anyway, lot of stuff has happened and I haven't caught anyone up with any of it. In a nutshell, we went on the cruise in June, had a near miss with Hurricane weather on landing at Fort Lauderdale. Ate too much on the cruise, but enjoyed it anyway. Lovely weather. Saw places you read about and walked around the ship to get excercise--less than 3 laps equals a mile. Worked on the play for the conference: Confluence -- the SF/F/H conference we put on every year. If you are a fan, you should definitely consider coming--loads of fun. Went to the con--had fun... (see? I told you!!) Current Mood: hot

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May 30th, 2005

06:58 pm - Memorial Day Musings Okay, call me morbid. I went to see my son play his trombone this morning at a Memorial Day Ceremony and as they set up to perform I could only think of one thing. Almost every “war” movie – from strict WW II to any science fiction genre story you care to name has a scene like the one I was watching: children laughing in a field, adults milling around somewhat, making conversation, a band playing—-all in all an nice bucolic scene to be attacked by the bomb carrying bad guys. Nothing like that happened, of course, but still the thought was there. So call me a sick unit. You can also call Steven Spielberg sick. He uses much the same set and image in his latest—-based on the book by H.G. Wells, “War of the Worlds.” On a different subject, I have work tomorrow. It was nice to have a long weekend. I feel like I needed it. I don’t know that I got much done though. It rained most of the weekend and I didn’t get any outside stuff done at all. (We got rained on at the Memorial Day proceedings this morning too.) I wanted to get some more done for the PARSEC play that I didn’t get to. I know, my fault. I can still whine and moan... So we cleaned in the house trying to get ready for our cruise so we don’t have to come back to a messy house. We want that homecoming to be different from our typical ones... And on it goes. Current Mood: mellow Current Music: Pink Floyd -- "Money"

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May 29th, 2005

11:37 pm - Let's get this party started Just an attack of odd silliness. That would be my explanation for all this. Everybody seems to have them. LiveJournals, that is. Although, I expect most people have the silliness from time to time. I don't know that anyone will read and or care about any of this, but I figured I start this little jaunt into self examination and see where it all takes me. I have not pictures that I want to put in here yet; I have no words of great wisdom. I just ramble. Some things about me: I am a science fiction and fantasy writer (I also write erotica, but that is perhaps something for another time.) I have three children, even though the two oldest cannot be considered children anymore -- 23 and 18. Makes me feel like an old guy. I read, write, draw and get weird from time to time. The rest of it I make up as I go along. Feel like making it up with me? Current Mood: chipper Current Music: funkytown

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