Month: January 2004

Drop the cable!

Writer guy

I had a pretty good writing session today on the PC, although fine tuning the focus level continues to prove an issue. I suspect as the heads down writing on the second book enters full swing that will resolve itself. Still, I did get three decent pages out, and they read pretty well.

On Sunday I bought the following books to help me land an agent:

Jeff Herman’s Guide to Book Publishers, Editors and Literary Agents 2004: Who They Are! What They Want! and How to Win Them Over! (Writer’s Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents.)

2004 Writer’s Market – by Kathryn S. Brogan (Editor), Robert Lee Brewer (Editor)

Editor person recommends both. I’m fast forwarding through to the part about writing query letters and the part about winning them over.

Stay tuned…

That’s taboo

Writer guy

I’m off to the Barnes and Noble mega store near my house to pick up the latest guide to getting a literary agent. Almost off that is, because I don’t know the title at present, which just might pose a problem. Never fear, editor person will send me the official title in a few moments. Once the email hits the in box, I’m off to pick it up.

The wife and I went over to my mom’s for dinner last night. My stepfather got a new laptop for Christmas and he was showing it off to me. It looks like a nice piece of equipment, although I prefer a full size keyboard myself, as my fingers feel cramped on a smaller device.

I’m reading this great book this weekend called Shoot Out by Peter Bart and Peter Gruber who have loads of movie industry experience. The more I read about Hollywood the more it seems on the surface at least that the adage is true for writers in that business. Take the money and run.

Sounds good to me. I can live with a check a lot easier than an ulcer. And if I want an ulcer, I can always go back to doing what I was doing before.

Aces high

Writer guy

I’m back on track with the official charter on the blog, working towards getting a book deal. Here’s the latest stats towards that end:

1)The Ridge Runner – Editor person just gave me their drop dead word on the phone, we’re meeting Wednesday evening. The incredible crisis has passed at their day job, and they’ve cleared their evening schedule to make this happen. Thank you editor person, I appreciate it.

2)Book # 2 – Untitled – The goal was for 15 pages by the end of this week. I came in at 12 pages. I’ll have to try harder at focusing my energies during the time alloted for writing.

3)samhilliard.com. – samhilliard.com just crossed the two week mark of official operations. I’m thinking about refining the mailing list options. For instance, offering the option of mail when I blog, mail when there’s news, etc. Right now it’s just a state of the union address, and the first one hasn’t gone out yet.

Anyway – thanks to all for your support. You guys rule! And hey, if you like what you see here, email someone a link to samhilliard.com. It’s just good karma.

I read the news today

Writer guy

I was all set to wish everyone a great weekend and share the latest updates on the book, when I saw the news that novelist Olivia Goldsmith died, and it made me pause. The word at the time of this writing is that she died of complications from general anesthesia during plastic surgery.

First, I want to extend my condolences to her family, my heart goes out to you at this terrible time of tragedy. She was a great talent and will be missed.

Unfortunately this is not the only time someone has had serious complications during plastic surgery. The plastic surgery industry prides itself on the risk being very low, and the numbers tend to bear this claim out. But, a doctor has no way of knowing a patient might have a bad reaction to general anesthesia.

I doubt any surgeon would perform an elective operation if they knew that a patient would certainly die during the procedure.

I know someone who has had three elective plastic surgery procedures that involve general anesthesia in the last year. This is despite the fact that they’re beautiful already. And I really, really, really want them to quit. So, to that person, and you know who you are, if you’re reading this, please stop. You’re beautiful and I love you for who you are.