Welcome to Biting-Edge, a blog shared by authors and vampire experts, Mario Acevedo and Jeanne Stein. We’ll cover urban fantasy, vampires, pop culture, and all things Joss Whedon. Unlike other fantasy blogs, we don’t insist on body cavity searches (unless you ask politely). Snarkiness is most welcome...though we won't promise not to bite back!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Time for the new
Mario here:
What I'm reading: The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi
It's that time of the year. I'm not much on resolutions, believing that if you have to commit to something, then do it now. However, it's good to reflect on what we're doing, measure how well things are going, and if necessary, apply a mid-course correction to the tiller.
One of my ongoing "resolutions" is to read more, and for the last few months I've averaged about a book a week. The books I selected were either recommended to me or I plucked them from those "Best of" lists. Most I enjoyed and cribbed from for my writing classes. Others...I couldn't see what the fuss was about.
This past year we've been bombarded with advice on promoting ourselves and using social media. Twitter and FaceBook yourself to fame and fortune. Joe Konrath offers a review of his resolutions, starting with 2006, and we can see the evolution of his musings regarding the publishing industry and how to nurture a writing career. He distills his hard-earned advice into this nugget: The best way to find success is to write a good book.
Which begs the question: What is a good book?
Here's my take: One that people want to read.
My reading this past year showed me that there isn't one single key to what makes a good book. No formula. No templates. Some stories were funny and acerbic tirades, lacking in plot but loaded with wit. Others steamrolled you with a plot so engrossing that the lack of lyricism didn't matter. And yet others set up a premise in a setting so compelling that I had to devour every word. If you have any favorite reads, please chime in.
Happy New Year!
What I'm reading: The Windup Girl by Paolo BacigalupiIt's that time of the year. I'm not much on resolutions, believing that if you have to commit to something, then do it now. However, it's good to reflect on what we're doing, measure how well things are going, and if necessary, apply a mid-course correction to the tiller.
One of my ongoing "resolutions" is to read more, and for the last few months I've averaged about a book a week. The books I selected were either recommended to me or I plucked them from those "Best of" lists. Most I enjoyed and cribbed from for my writing classes. Others...I couldn't see what the fuss was about.
This past year we've been bombarded with advice on promoting ourselves and using social media. Twitter and FaceBook yourself to fame and fortune. Joe Konrath offers a review of his resolutions, starting with 2006, and we can see the evolution of his musings regarding the publishing industry and how to nurture a writing career. He distills his hard-earned advice into this nugget: The best way to find success is to write a good book.
Which begs the question: What is a good book?
Here's my take: One that people want to read.
My reading this past year showed me that there isn't one single key to what makes a good book. No formula. No templates. Some stories were funny and acerbic tirades, lacking in plot but loaded with wit. Others steamrolled you with a plot so engrossing that the lack of lyricism didn't matter. And yet others set up a premise in a setting so compelling that I had to devour every word. If you have any favorite reads, please chime in.
Happy New Year!
Labels: fame, fortune, Joe Konrath, Paolo Bacigalupi, scads of moolah
¶ posted by Mario Acevedo @ 7:25 PM 0 comments
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Mario here:
What I'm reading:
The Carpetbaggers by Harold Robbins
Mile Hi Con 44 has come and gone. Many thanks to Rose Beetem for honchoing this big herd of weird cats. I spent the weekend catching up with my fellow writers and fans. Palled around with Stephen Graham Jones, Marne Ann Kirstatter, Julie Kazimer, Paolo Bacigalupi, David Boop, Betsy Dornbusch, Thea Hutcheson, Carrie Vaughn, Molly Tanzer, Quincy Allen, Carol Berg--and as they say--so many, many more.
The Hipster Reading went off surprising well, so much so that we're planning another, more hipster reading, for next year. Jason Heller and bongo-ist Aaron DeBoskey tore it up Friday night.
Author Guest of Honor Cherie Priest shows off her "Castle" Writer flak vest (sans armor plate).
Contest for the University of Doom!
Here's your chance to win this Lego Ghost Train set (for yourself or any of your little ones).
Or a
University of Doom window sticker.
How? It's easy! My handsome son Emil will explain it to you at via You Tube.
To post a comment go to the Lego Ghost Train Contest! video.
What I'm reading:
The Carpetbaggers by Harold RobbinsMile Hi Con 44 has come and gone. Many thanks to Rose Beetem for honchoing this big herd of weird cats. I spent the weekend catching up with my fellow writers and fans. Palled around with Stephen Graham Jones, Marne Ann Kirstatter, Julie Kazimer, Paolo Bacigalupi, David Boop, Betsy Dornbusch, Thea Hutcheson, Carrie Vaughn, Molly Tanzer, Quincy Allen, Carol Berg--and as they say--so many, many more.
The Hipster Reading went off surprising well, so much so that we're planning another, more hipster reading, for next year. Jason Heller and bongo-ist Aaron DeBoskey tore it up Friday night.
Author Guest of Honor Cherie Priest shows off her "Castle" Writer flak vest (sans armor plate).
Contest for the University of Doom!
Here's your chance to win this Lego Ghost Train set (for yourself or any of your little ones).
Or a
University of Doom window sticker.How? It's easy! My handsome son Emil will explain it to you at via You Tube.
To post a comment go to the Lego Ghost Train Contest! video.
Labels: Harold Robbins, Hipsters, MileHiCon, Paolo Bacigalupi, Steven Graham Jones
¶ posted by Mario Acevedo @ 7:12 PM 3 comments
