We had out first class and critique session today. Walter asked us not to divulge the critiques, since that's private. This makes total sense to me. On the other hand, so many funny things happened! You can read a fabulous synopsis written by our other host/organizer/guide Nancy Kress here. It is a sad truth, but too few SF stories have been written about toilets.
I once again ventured into the main town today with Buffalito and Anna. We had a list of things to feed at least 8 people, so we made several stops. It was good to get out, though, and see a real live city. Of course when we came back it was raining and dinner had just been served.
The better part of the evening was dedicated to critiquing work, reading over published stories, and working on the first exercise. All of these were challenging, so after I kicked back with Locked, Atlantean, Hand, Hat, Buffalito and Walter joined us at one point too. The conversation rolled brisquely from inappropriate jokes to what's working in our stories, and what isn't.
It is so profoundly inspiring to be around so many other people grappling with the same passion, the same love. I have learned so much in two days. I cannot imagine where I will be in another ten.
Monday, June 7, 2010
View
As promised, a photo of the valley. It's so beautiful, but the weather is something to be reckoned with. After this picture was taken, it started to hail.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Midday
I promise I will get photos up soon! I haven't taken any of the groups yet, and that's what I'm waiting for. This morning Buffalito and Anna arrived. They were kind enough to take me to the store (a good 35 minute drive) where I loaded up on more food and various other supplies.
When we came back we found Locked and Cogitoad waiting for us. We just helped them settled in, and I'm taking a quick breather before diving into the submissions I haven't yet read.
I'm in awe of the sound of an actual stream outside my door. And of the nearly inch-long ant which seems to be my room's guardian.
I do miss home. I miss my own bed. I miss the boyfriend and the Rabbit. But I'm excited to see what tomorrow has in store for us!
When we came back we found Locked and Cogitoad waiting for us. We just helped them settled in, and I'm taking a quick breather before diving into the submissions I haven't yet read.
I'm in awe of the sound of an actual stream outside my door. And of the nearly inch-long ant which seems to be my room's guardian.
I do miss home. I miss my own bed. I miss the boyfriend and the Rabbit. But I'm excited to see what tomorrow has in store for us!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Prologue
I'm in New Mexico!! Yet another state I can cross off my list, making it 31 states that I have formally visited (i.e. spent a chunk of time in, outside of airports). I haven't spent a whole lot of time exploring the Southwest (Cali does not count) so this is a new experience for me.
A lot of Santa Fe was as described: art-inspiring. The landscape, which could be dull and still be a perfectly normal desert, is breathtaking. The Painter brought out warm tones - russet and copper and wheat, with a dash of pale green shrubbery - to make this place unique. And then, somehow, there are mountains, and evergreens, and streams. From the desert straight to the forest.
We are nestled in the most picturesque valley, complete with steep walls and a gushing creek you can hear even when the doors and windows are shut. I spent a good chunk of time taking photographs from my balcony before meeting the workshop organizers and a fellow 'Boxer, Atlantean. The four of us went to a very nice dinner down the hill, and I am now exhausted beyond reason.
Traveling will tucker you out.
Traveling to 10,000 feet will completely wipe your system.
Tomorrow everyone else arrives (and will be given nicknames on the spot). Until then, good night!
A lot of Santa Fe was as described: art-inspiring. The landscape, which could be dull and still be a perfectly normal desert, is breathtaking. The Painter brought out warm tones - russet and copper and wheat, with a dash of pale green shrubbery - to make this place unique. And then, somehow, there are mountains, and evergreens, and streams. From the desert straight to the forest.
We are nestled in the most picturesque valley, complete with steep walls and a gushing creek you can hear even when the doors and windows are shut. I spent a good chunk of time taking photographs from my balcony before meeting the workshop organizers and a fellow 'Boxer, Atlantean. The four of us went to a very nice dinner down the hill, and I am now exhausted beyond reason.
Traveling will tucker you out.
Traveling to 10,000 feet will completely wipe your system.
Tomorrow everyone else arrives (and will be given nicknames on the spot). Until then, good night!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Packing
I can't believe this is all happening so fast! I mean I knew when I applied (just managed to duck the deadline) that it would be a quick turnaround. But it feels like way less than one month.
Today is dedicated to errands, packing, and reading the final submission. I'd also like to try to finish Steal Across the Sky, but on the other hand, I think it will make excellent plane flight reading material.
I've put out at least twice as much stuff as will fit in my suitcase. Phooey. I also keep trying to pack this small, fluffy thing, but he's as rebellious as ever. I'll try to get a photo of him inside of the case later, when I've recooped some of my energy.
In addition to packing, I feel like I'm putting out a lot of small fires. That being said, one of my favorite OC gals gave me an amazing gift last night. Brought tears to my eyes. It's good to know that when I decide to leave certain groups, games, etc. behind, there will always be a mark - however small - that I've left in my wake. Thank you, Nellie.
I should really scoot off to the store... said fluffy thing will be unenthused if he runs out of food while I'm gone. So demanding!
Today is dedicated to errands, packing, and reading the final submission. I'd also like to try to finish Steal Across the Sky, but on the other hand, I think it will make excellent plane flight reading material.
I've put out at least twice as much stuff as will fit in my suitcase. Phooey. I also keep trying to pack this small, fluffy thing, but he's as rebellious as ever. I'll try to get a photo of him inside of the case later, when I've recooped some of my energy.
In addition to packing, I feel like I'm putting out a lot of small fires. That being said, one of my favorite OC gals gave me an amazing gift last night. Brought tears to my eyes. It's good to know that when I decide to leave certain groups, games, etc. behind, there will always be a mark - however small - that I've left in my wake. Thank you, Nellie.
I should really scoot off to the store... said fluffy thing will be unenthused if he runs out of food while I'm gone. So demanding!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
TINAG
Late last night I finished Walter Jon Williams' This Is Not a Game. It's the longest of the books I picked for the workshop, but it didn't feel like it. Probably because I couldn't put it down for more than a few hours.
The story centers on Dagmar, a woman who creates storylines for ARGs, which are like MMOs with a real world component. You might be asked to stop an alien invasion on Venus, but in order to do so, you'll have to drop off a package at LAX. Like actually, physically get your butt over that horrendous airport.
It's a very cool concept, and all the more enjoyable because I've been reading so much "foundational" scifi. WJW's work is very brisk, the characters are dynamic, and I loved the incorporation of social networking into this thriller. I'm highly recommending this book to any and all scifi nerds, especially gamers and those with an economics background.
I've still got 6 submissions left to read and critique, but I'm getting through them more and more quickly. I love it when the author asks questions. That really helps to direct my critiques. And I'm finally, fully excited to meet everyone at the workshop. The butterflies seem quiet, for now.
The story centers on Dagmar, a woman who creates storylines for ARGs, which are like MMOs with a real world component. You might be asked to stop an alien invasion on Venus, but in order to do so, you'll have to drop off a package at LAX. Like actually, physically get your butt over that horrendous airport.
It's a very cool concept, and all the more enjoyable because I've been reading so much "foundational" scifi. WJW's work is very brisk, the characters are dynamic, and I loved the incorporation of social networking into this thriller. I'm highly recommending this book to any and all scifi nerds, especially gamers and those with an economics background.
I've still got 6 submissions left to read and critique, but I'm getting through them more and more quickly. I love it when the author asks questions. That really helps to direct my critiques. And I'm finally, fully excited to meet everyone at the workshop. The butterflies seem quiet, for now.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Critique
For the workshop, everyone must submit one piece of less than 10,000 words for the first week. In Courier New 12 pt. this is about fifty pages per person. Some of the submissions have been the first few chapters of a novel, and others have been short stories.
I have to admit that I am totally digging every single one thusfar.
Since these are unpublished, I don't want to write too much about them. But we have stories about wizards and dreams, conspiracies and the apocalypse. The ones I've read so far haven't been too scifi, or too fantasy, or too urban. They're all a nice muddling of genres, which I love. Had I, instead, read these in the Taos Toolbox Quarterly Vol 3.2, I would have been equally delighted. This is high quality work.
I'm not sure that my critiques are on the right track... I tend to write about what I love, instead of what can be improved. I hope this will be helpful to everyone else, and I can always revise my critiques once I'm at the workshop, and have a feel for what the others are saying.
It's a whole new challenge to critique a lot of work at this level. I'm up to it, and I'm enjoying it, but it's still intimidating. I've still got 8 submissions left to read, as well as finishing TINAG and Steal Across the Sky.
I have to admit that I am totally digging every single one thusfar.
Since these are unpublished, I don't want to write too much about them. But we have stories about wizards and dreams, conspiracies and the apocalypse. The ones I've read so far haven't been too scifi, or too fantasy, or too urban. They're all a nice muddling of genres, which I love. Had I, instead, read these in the Taos Toolbox Quarterly Vol 3.2, I would have been equally delighted. This is high quality work.
I'm not sure that my critiques are on the right track... I tend to write about what I love, instead of what can be improved. I hope this will be helpful to everyone else, and I can always revise my critiques once I'm at the workshop, and have a feel for what the others are saying.
It's a whole new challenge to critique a lot of work at this level. I'm up to it, and I'm enjoying it, but it's still intimidating. I've still got 8 submissions left to read, as well as finishing TINAG and Steal Across the Sky.
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