Tag Archives: writing

Toy “Collaboration” and My Rates

04 Saturday Sep 2021

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I’m not sure where this spammy-feeling emailer read on this blog (ever) about my love of social media or toys (not of the belt-fed or Cuba leaf varieties).

Hi,

It is so nice to have this chance to enjoy reading your blog: []

We send the email because we sincerely invite you to cooperate with us for a post(If you are not interested in this, please ignore or tell us directly, we will guarantee that we will not send you similar information)

We are a manufacturer of Rubik’s Cube toys and hope to post related blogs on your blog, Here is our site:[]

*You write a 300-500 word article with dofollow links about our products and post it on your blog and social website(facebook,instagram,pinterest,youtube) for permanent.

Waiting for your positive reply.
Best Regards!

*Delete*

I’m certainly not opposed to the Rube Cube, being a solid Gen Xer. However, the direction to post on the anti-socials threw this one into the category of things I’m opposed to and, thus, won’t participate in. There was also the spam factor. This isn’t the first of these kinds of requests either.

For future reference, here are my rates for unsolicited “collaboration,” subject to change per my whims, of course:

Things that REALLY interest me as requested by people I know: $1 per word, paid upfront;

Things that REALLY interest me, solicited by strangers: $10 per word, paid upfront;

Things that do not really interest me but which I do not find objectionable, as requested by people I know: $10 per word, upfront;

Things that do not really interest me but which I do not find objectionable, from strangers: $100 per word, upfront;

Anything else: Delete.

Thanks,

P

News of The Weekly Column and TPC

22 Saturday Aug 2020

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So, as you know, for the past two and a half years it has been my high honor to write the National Affairs column for the Piedmont Chronicles. Those missives are basically supercharged versions of the posts you’ve enjoyed at this site for years. And I always run them here as a syndicated backup. However. All good things … come to an end.

Or, rather, they change.

This year has done a number on everyone, yours truly included. The spring and especially the summer have, er, slowed TPC production a bit. There was a little murkiness back in April and a hint that things might be wrapping up. They did not, thank goodness. The show rolled on.

On August 10th, an editorial memo came down that confidently announced a continuing way forward. Then, last night, THIS at http://www.thepiedmontchronicles.com: addressed in general and not just to me:

A Moment from MB

Well…

What can I say?

You knew exactly what you were getting in to. I’ve never given any illusions to the contrary.

TPC is a true passion of mine. It always has been & it always will be.

But…

I just don’t have the time for it right now.

Hope you understand.

There will be posts moving forward, but they’re going to be here & there, sporadic. Maybe sometimes few & far between.

And that’s just the way it’s going to have to be.

As always, thanks for reading.

Your Friend,

MB McCart

I, for one, do understand. Times are tough and so especially is the business of slinging words around. There’s more than enough to keep people busy. It’s a little disheartening, but understandable. It hasn’t happened in more than half a decade, but this site was once known for the … pauses and interruptions. Some of you know that Freedom Prepper essentially took a year off. Things happen.

Yet, I happily note that: 1) this “shut down” has already been averted once, just this year, and; 2) as-is, the foregoing suggests that though the posts may be here and there, sporadic, and few and far between, they’re still a possibility.

Where, for now, does this leave my column? For now, RIGHT HERE! She’ll continue to be a weekly feature, standing out from the usual daily snippets and blurbs and rants. It will probably settle into a designated day and/or time slot, which I have yet to determine. You’ll know it when you read it.

And, soon… Soon, I plan to activate a scheme I’ve had under development for a little while, branching out to possibly two or three other American commentary outlets. This could possibly be the genesis of the greater syndication I’ve been stalling around with. Additionally, next week – I think, I’ll be submitting my debut article to a foreign magazine. All of these publications are (how shall I put this?) more in-line with my evolved brand of ultra-right-wing, Christian nationalism. There – if all goes well – will likely, necessarily be several different subjects or styles for each new place. Maybe. Time will tell. More on all of that later. (There’s much more, as always, under development around here).

And, as to TPC in the future, I remain willing, ready, and slightly incendiary – even if only needed here and far sporadic. Hopefully, this is just a hiccup. If not, then it’s been a great ride. MB and Gang, thanks for everything!

-P

Happi Grammer deY

04 Wednesday Mar 2020

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When one first starts out as a writer, of any kind, there is the temptation to explore official-sounding or looking courses of training and study. Most of these come in the form of on-line services ready and eager to part a budding novelist or journalist with his last dollar. Interestingly, some of the best resources and advice are available for free. Regardless, the email solicitations come daily, even after one is semi-established, published, and moderately competent. I got one of those today, reminding me that March 5th is National Grammar Day. I checked, and it really is.

So, happi gramer dey? There out to get all of they’re word right over their: redding; righting and the oxferd coma;

Rise of the AI Editor?

24 Friday Jan 2020

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I got an email the other day about a new virtual editor software, Audocrit. It allegedly does an amazing job with not only grammar issues but apparently with flow, structure, and more. The review at The Write Life seems positive. if you’re a writer, maybe consider checking it out. I’m not sure how much more efficient or different it is from Grammarly; I may make a trial use of it for an upcoming novella. More, if it helps, later.

Not sure about this and other technology. We at the crossroads of helpfulness and cooption. Or, so I think. Skynet Publishing?

Post 3,000

15 Wednesday Jan 2020

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3,000! THREE THOUSAND posts since the blog began back in 2012. I’ve been running a little hard lately. In the near term, I may slow just a hair to concentrate on some projects, but folks, we’re only just warming up, here.

This report came in on Monday:

Screenshot 2020-01-13 at 6.23.06 PM

4 Million words in 20.5 months. That’s a little high – it’s probable that the total accounts for many articles, etc. that were checked at least twice. Still, I’d estimate it’s really more like 2 Million, or roughly 97,500 per month, 3,200 words a day. That’s about right. I average in the top 2-3% of users for volume and for unique words. Mistakes too, as many of you know.

Anyway, this is 3,000. No. 2,999 was about Amazon publishing:

Screenshot 2020-01-15 at 10.02.13 AM

Know idea what’s up next. Rest assured, you will read it here. More to come!

Screenshot 2020-01-15 at 10.10.50 AM

And, Thank You, All! – P

End of the Year Fiction Update

27 Friday Dec 2019

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A few things, by way of update:

The reviews of THE SUBSTITUTE are slow to come, but they’re all good. The most recent from Amazon:

Jenn

5.0 out of 5 stars Glad I bought The Substitute

December 25, 2019

Verified Purchase
Surprisingly Delightful!
After seeing the unusual cover picture, I did not know what to expect. The author did not disappoint, it was an interesting read for me, for sure. His writing style and characters remind me a bit of Stuart Woods – I’m glad I bought this book!

 

Thanks, Jenn!

I have some edits prepared and underway to make the reading a little easier. Look for those soon and when you see them. Also, I am happy to announce the following tentative progress:

AURELIUS: Coming early in 2020; a Tom Ironsides (first person) novella and prequel to THE SUBSTITUTE; about 1/3 – 1/2 finished and rapidly gaining ground.

THE HUNTING OF ???: Also for 2020; another Ironsides’s adventure in the run-up to THE SUBSTITUTE (and AURELIUS); a novelette or shorter novella; about 1/2 finished.

SANGUINIS LEX: Another substantial novel that I hope to have out in the coming year. It’s a blended-genre book set in the Ironsides’s world, though only very briefly featuring him (and Dandy and the Bass Slayers…); the expression of an idea I have had since very early in the Century. It’s a dark and dangerous ride into a most uncomfortable subject. But hey, half the blending is romance, so there’s that. “Sanguinis Lex” roughly translates to “the law of the blood,” if that helps give any hints. This one is purey in draft form – they’re all in draft form – and it’s about (maybe) 1/5th complete, in an incomplete way. A most pressing literary endeavor.

As always, there will be more drivel here, perhaps with a few structural changes (like I always threaten); and look for the first TPC column of 2020 next week – a return to non-fictional views on the affairs of the nation, unique and interesting to be sure.

Much more to come.

How to Write a Novel

13 Friday Sep 2019

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Hey! Finally, an “original” article that doesn’t involve me merely adding sarcastic comments to a news story! This one’s about fiction.

Yes, friends, it’s been a little over a year since I first delved into the genre with a few discombobulated short stories. Now, we’re getting VERY CLOSE to my first novel, The Substitute. I trust you’re debit and credit cards are charged and ready.

It’s kind of funny. The book originally started out as a non-fiction work about how bad the schools are – because we just can’t have enough of those, right? But then, along came Mr. Tom Ironsides and literally hijacked my idea. It morphed into a dramatization overnight. Honestly, it has been a little more than I thought I was ready for. But, then again, it seems there is no perfect time to do these things. The reader may find the final product, while I hope entertaining, a little amateurish? Your judgment.

My saving grace was the guidance of Thomas Moore, author of A Fatal Mercy, etc. He said kind things like: “You’ve got a great voice. And, a good ear.” I said, “YEAH!” – like I knew (know) exactly what those terms mean…

I read several books on how to write a novel and I consulted some of the copious (dubious) material all over these internets. In the end, I’m amazed at how close my work is coming (unintentionally) to following the conventional format.

The outline and all the notes were originally geared towards a factual expose. A few short stories emerged, became chapters, and Ironsides took the thing and ran with it. Yet and still, it has three acts. There’s a hook in the first chapter. Those turns, challenges, and critical events magically showed up on their own. Climaxes – plural – fell into place without my realizing. Towards the end, there is a resolution of a kind. It’s not total. In fact, it can’t be, given the subject matter. Yet, I think it works and well.

So, when writing a novel, or anything really – do it. That’s about the best I can offer. My Afterword includes an appropriate quote from Clausewitz. That, and the rest will be along before long.

And, I have some more books in various states of preparation. If I discover anything worthwhile as those grow, I shall report it.

Okay, The Substitute: I’m thinking maybe $7-8 for Kindle and $16-18 for a high-grade paperback. In the event of decent interest, a hardcover isn’t out of the question ($35?).

Soon.

The Grand Announcement: A NOVEL

19 Friday Jul 2019

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Okay. As a few of you know, over the past year I have somewhat successfully invaded the realm of fiction. And, I love it. If all goes as I expect, my writing will soon be completely realigned towards that (what I consider) better manner of prose and poetry.

Now, this isn’t one of my usual book announcements – wherein I tout a book and then maybe deliver it five years later (or not). But, this week I did mostly finish the first, rough, and in need of heavy editorial attention draft of my first novel. It’s about a retired spy who becomes a substitute teacher in the public schools. From the (almost certain to) change back cover:

Screenshot 2019-07-17 at 10.52.07 AM

It’s going to be good, and it sets up both an astounding character and an interesting “universe.” Look for it when you see it. No guarantees on a time-frame; the printed manuscript is 400 pages. Much to do. More to come. And, yes. This is the protagonist of a few of my more popular shorts.

PS: Look for more teased short stories here and at TPC.

PPS: I have spruced up the site just a little. More to come/change.