Mar 29 2009

Fledge is not a Curse Word
» S.D. Smith

toilet 
My new Fledge Chronicles story is out there on newsstands all over the place. Or, if you can’t find a newsstand, you can subscribe to West Virginia South for the home delivery of these so-called “good” stories and all the other great features of the magazine.

I may try to get together a post with a preview, but I’m not sure that those are all that useful. I am growing more and more convinced that people want short posts, not long ones. And it’s hard to do a preview of a short story short enough to be of interest, but long enough to make any sense.

no comments | posted in (Alleged) Humor, Books and Stories, The News, Writing on Writing

Jan 30 2009

Sneak Preview of The Fledge Chronicles: The Dear Slayer
» S.D. Smith

The following is a sneak-peek of the newest story from The Fledge Chronicles, “The Dear Slayer.” We catch up with Ben Gray, broken down on the side of the road…

 


He began to pace, then opted for opening the hood. This proved difficult to do in its dented condition. He examined the engine intently. It reminded Ben of touring that modern art museum in Manhattan with his sophisticated college roommate. Questions came to mind –Foremost: “What am I supposed to be seeing here?”

 

Ben was equally bewildered by six-cylinders and Jackson Pollack. But at least he knew there was usefulness underneath the hood. He still saw no value in the modern artist’s attempts to say something profound by means of splattering. This car, however, took him places. But not so much now. He almost gave in to the kind of despair that causes men to kick cars, heedless to the fragility of the human toe. But then something happened, and that something was a truck driving by. Then that something stopped, backed up in predictable fashion and stopped again a few feet away. Ben was saved. Perhaps he could escape this night with shreds of masculinity intact. Then the someone that had driven the something emerged into view.


Ben was prepared for all manner of grizzled old men. His fingernails would be blackened by manly work, his resume loaded with years of labor beneath vintage cars, Red Man hat cocked at an angle apparently intended to highlight a resemblance with Gomer Pyle. Much like many who have tried before, he was not at all accurate in his prophecies concerning the identity of his savior. Out of the stopped truck stepped the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. It was dark out, yes, but the night was an ineffective concealment in this case. Ben felt that the sun rose and he could see just fine. She smiled as she approached.


“A deer hit you?” she said.
Ben thought of her voice as the radiance of a lighthouse on the stormiest, blackest night, but with a southern accent that gave him a sharp case of what doctors in medical journals call “the tingles.”
“I said ‘A deer hit you?’” she said again.
“I think so. But I started it,” he said lamely.
“Well, it looks like you got bent up a little.”
“You should see the other guy.”
“I’m Sarah and apparently your savior.”
“I’m Ben—fully prepared for conversion.”
“Well, Ben. How’s the engine look?”
Ben peeked again at the series of hoses, steel, fans, caps and sundries.
“It seems like its fine. Maybe a slight fever?”
“Not the teacher’s pet in auto shop, I presume?”
“He called me Nancy, if that helps.”
“No worries,” she said, moving beside Ben to peer into the engine, “I have a little experience in the vehicular health department. My dad is a whiz with them.”
Ben caught the scent of her perfume and general cleanliness in his nostrils.
Is that shampoo? What is that?
He felt he had made the transition from almost heaven to the real thing. Everything about her entranced him. She was intoxicating, and he was now broken down on the side of the road under the influence.
“Well, I’d explain what’s going on with the engine,” she said, closing the hood, “but I’m not sure you’d understand, Nancy.”

no comments | posted in (Alleged) Humor, Books and Stories, The News, Uncategorized, Writing on Writing

Jan 29 2009

West Virginia South features latest story in The Fledge Chronicles
» S.D. Smith

The latest issue of West Virginia South has arrived. I haven’t seen it for more than a few minutes yet (my brother, Will Smith, stole my single copy –I would tell our parents on him but he would probably argue that parents just don’t understand).

I do know that it contains a story from The Fledge Chronicles entitled The Dear Slayer. This is, of course, a take-off from that great novel by James Fennimore Cooper, The Deer Slayer, which is a very similar story except for the total difference. This latest story has been referred to as “not horrible” and “almost readable” by high critics and other drug users.

I like it, actually. mKhulu, in yesterday’s comments, stated it was “by far and away the best yet” of the Fledge stories –but he is biased. My editor, however, agreed. She said it was her favorite so far, and those two comments make for my best reviews yet.

The title illustration is once again wonderfully created by Rex Queems, an excellent bit of art (better than Jackson Pollock, anyway). Rex really has the ability to create an illustration which carries not just the details of the story, but its essence. (Not deep, but comical.)

It’s ironic that the story contains a reference to Jackson Pollock, and I learned that today (while I write this 1.28.09) was his birthday. I found this out by hovering my little pointer icon over the messy thing that was usually where the Google logo is. Please, if you are a Pollock fan, make the case for him to me in the comments. I haven’t seen the film My Kid Could Paint That yet, but I have thought it.
In tomorrow’s post I’ll include a sneak-peek of the current story in the current issue. The cover of this issue is very pretty. There’s a flower on it. It’s nice. Is it just me or do the covers keep getting better and better? None of them have anything to do with me, they just keep getting better. Consider subscribing.

Note: The WVS website usually trails the current issue by a few weeks. It will be updated soon, I’m sure.

no comments | posted in Books and Stories, The News, Uncategorized, Writing on Writing

Dec 1 2008

New Fledge Story Available in Stores Everywhere (Note: not available in a lot of places)
» S.D. Smith

The new edition of West Virginia South is out and available at many, many area locations, some of which also offer Snickers bars. Snickers are available inside the covers of the magazine as well, and I mean the kind where you laugh in a mostly-non-ridiculing way.This is my favorite issue yet for a number of reasons. There are several interesting features, including an interview with Becky Kelly, a West Virginia-born artist/writer who does lovely drawings. The WV South editor, Audrey Stanton, shares a funny and wild experience of judging the Pocahontas County Roadkill Cook-off. For real.
It was in that article that I learned a most fascinating fact about my excellent editor. She, like me, has spent some time in southern Africa. I have enjoyed swapping a few stories back and forth and taking that trip down memory lane (a lane of dirt roads, breathtaking skies and beautiful people).My story in this issue, A Very Bad Sign, is advertised in the table of contents as “Nine Laugh-out-loud Moments —at least.” A nice compliment to what I hope is a fun read. This story is also featured in the first section of the magazine, which I am sure will lead to more people reading it. Then, if all goes well, it will lead to those readers not losing their lunch. Not in a bad way, anyway. But if you do laugh out loud a lot, I think that a certain nausea is inevitable. Maybe that’s what he meant when he said my writing made him sick. Of course. Thanks, Brandon!

Adding to the joy I found in this issue is the original illustration that accompanies my little yarn. The sketch was done by Rex Queems, an up and coming artist who I hope will be my saddle-pal for many chronicles of Fledge to come. No, “up and coming” doesn’t necessarily mean no one has ever heard of him. I hear he’s talked about on a popular blog. R.Q. is an old friend and a very gifted artists. I love the sketch he did for this story; it really manifests the character of Heck Davis. I can’t wait to see his next illustration for my next story.

A Very Bad Sign, from the Fledge Chronicles, is available now in the latest issue of West Virginia South. Consider subscribing.

no comments | posted in Books and Stories, The News, Writing on Writing

Oct 2 2008

News: A Door is Opened into a Particular Room
» S.D. Smith

Speaking of invitations, I had one a few days ago that was a pleasant surprise. Andrew Peterson, whom you have heard a fair amount about here at this blog, from his book to his records, sent me an e-mail a few days ago. .

.
I thought it was one of those mass e-mails that people (like me) sometimes send out to promote something. .
It wasn’t. It wasn’t business, it was personal. Well, it was a personal note, anyway. The business of the personal note was to invite me, your humble host here at the Maple Mountain, to contribute to the Rabbit Room. I guess my kiss-up review of his book really worked. Flattery really will get you everywhere, kids. And don’t smoke. And stay away from abandoned mines. And don’t start too many sentences with “And.” .
For those of you who don’t know, the Rabbit Room is one of the most fantastic interweb destinations around. Andrew is the Proprietor of the Room, and his vision is to create an on-line community for artists who are Christians to talk and listen. His inspiration is the Eagle and the Child’s Rabbit Room, where Tolkien, Lewis, Williams, etc. would talk over pints and pipes. It is a great website, with very thoughtful and gifted contributors. Listen to the first RR Podcast to catch his vision.

I am grateful to God for this chance and hope it is an opportunity to bring him glory. I am very humbled by this invitation, and excited by the opportunity to contribute. Of course many people actually contribute to the blog, both in the posts and the comments. So it really does, unlike most blogs, have some community. And Andrew is the community organizer. Buzzword alert.
..

My first post is up. So head over, pull up a chair and then sit in it.

.

For those of you coming here from there (linking from the Rabbit Room), you are welcome. This is less an English Pub and more a West Virginia porch. Don’t worry, that strange guy sleeping over on the porch swing is harmless. I’m related to him somehow.

no comments | posted in (Alleged) Humor, The News, The Rabbit Room

Sep 19 2008

On Fire-bombs, Stories in Print, Moving to California and Comparative Awesomeness
» S.D. Smith

I just got finished reading the latest edition of West Virginia South. Included in this issue (Oct/Nov) is my story, the first of The Fledge Chronicles: The Lion, the Bridge, and the Wardrobe Malfunction. I think it should be in stores and mailboxes next week.

It looks nice, and I hope people enjoy it. It appears they do plan to carry the serial for a while since above the story it says “The following is the first in a series of short stories written by S.D. Smith of Grandview.” That is exciting. Of course my very cautious nature makes me feel the need to add disclaimers like “unless they get fire-bombed because of the public outrage” to the promises of an on-going series.

I once read that Ray Romano didn’t even move his family out to California until a few years into his very popular show because he didn’t think it would last. I feel similarly. Also, I am a big star like Ray. I call him Ray. But you probably shouldn’t.

Anyway, if you see it, I hope you enjoy it. There’s a list of places you can get the magazine in the “About Us” feature at the WV South website.

There was also a short blurb in the paper (it’s not on the website) today about the magazine and my story. It helped to look past the sports page today. Ugh.

The fame from the newspaper’s four-or-five word in-depth feature has caused fanclubs to spring up virtually everywhere, but we have a confirmed case of one in Rupert, WV, very near where my mother’s presence is.

Now for some perspective.

no comments | posted in Books and Stories, The News, Writing on Writing

Sep 14 2008

West Virginia South to Publish The Fledge Chronicles
» S.D. Smith

While the news about my novel appears to be, like the prodigal son, “still a great way off,” I have some news at last of a much smaller increment of my work being published.
My short story serial The Fledge Chronicles will make it’s first appearance in print in a couple of weeks. West Virginia South’s October/November issue will feature the first installment entitled The Lion, the Bridge, and the Wardrobe Malfunction.
 
It will likely hit news stands (or whatever it is that magazines hit) in the last week of this month, but I’ll let you know here when they are available. It is my understanding that if they get a good response from the readers then they will continue to run the Fledge serial.
Seriously, if you do have a spare 23 buckaroos and 76 centaroos for fiscal year 2009 and want to blow it in this manner, then please include a note stating that you are subscribing because of the Fledge stories. Also send me an e-mail if you do subscribe and I’ll send you something of the bonus variety (you know, the “but wait, there’s more” kind of thing).
OK, shameless plug completed. For now. More to follow. Where else am I going to advertise?

Is that Ron Howard?

I am excited about this. I was once told by a “real writer” that you can’t call yourself a writer until you sell something. I thought and think that was smug. But it does feel good, affirming, and legitimizing in a way, to have finally sold something. We’re not going to move into a mansion (unless, of course) but it feels like we’re at least a baby-step closer to that dream/goal of being able to write for a living.

Ray Salmon gave me this shirt after he was done with it. Seriously. The sleeves are too long. Ray is a generous man with a generous dose of arm.

Thanks to all of you who have been so encouraging to us.

no comments | posted in Books and Stories, The News, Writing on Writing

Sep 2 2008

News of Misc.
» S.D. Smith

Quotes, quotes, football, quotes.
I know, sorry. The blog has become a seldom-varying quote-factory. Oh well, that has some value…to cause a smile, to provoke thought, to stoke ancient prejudices into a burning inferno of hate. Well, maybe not that last one.
I am debating whether to commence, or dispense, with the “I’m really busy” line. I have been busy, painting and in-general carrying out my administration’s domestic agenda. God has profoundly blessed my family in the area of math. We have an addition, in that my wife is pregnant with our third child. Thank God for precious little kids. As the poet said, “I just want to squeeze them.” We’ve had an unusual level of the morning sickness (as compared with our previous two human children in the womb) and that has meant that Daddy is needed in realms of the kingdom rarely explored by him. I’ll put it this way: The kids are eating more than their usual allotment of corndogs. But they are fine.

They are drawing all over their new chalkboard paint walls (my clever and creative wife’s idea that has been a huge hit). We’ve seen robots, flying WV’s, balloons, silly guys, pizza’s (indicative of their recent diet) and my personal favorite “I love you Daddy sooo sooo much.”
Imagine. Many of us often think of children as punishment, as an inconvenience, and not as a blessing and stewardship from God.
I had hoped to have some news to share in the “availability of some of my writing to a wider audience” department. But as of now it is much like Hamlet’s final moments, there is so much promise and then he utters his last, “The rest is silence.” But silence, apparently, is golden. So there’s that. Also I’ve heard that “Seniors Rule.” Is that really true? Anyway, you can count upon my relaying to you fine readers of this blog/quote-factory once I get any news of the exciting kind.

I have had some feeding of my back as it relates to some of my writings lately, and that has been encouraging. Inspires one to write more. And more betterer, I think.

Also, there is work underway on my website, which is promising and I hope will help in the afore-mentioned “availability of my writing to a wider audience” department.

Thanks for your prayers for our family, for my wife and our baby in particular. Thank you for sharing our joy. Loving a child, loving and being loved by your wife and children, makes the most heralded and prolific career in books pale dramatically by comparison.

no comments | posted in (Alleged) Humor, Home. Life., The News

Mar 1 2008

When Can I Read Your Book?
» S.D. Smith

I’m glad I asked. Actually many of you have asked this of me lately and I wanted to give some kind of an answer here at the MMSC. I apologize for rarely ever mentioning my progress in the novel-writing business in this space. I have started to a number of times, but then held back for fear of gratuitous self-aggrandizement. Well, I will now proceed, with gratuity included.

That’s my story and I’m…
I have completed my debut novel and I think I am sufficiently humbled by the long odds associated with getting published (by a paying, promoting house). That being said, I believe the story is a good one, and I am very pleased with it. I have hopes that if it is given a chance, it will be published. I cannot know this for certain, of course, and submit myself to the discretion of those more knowledgeable than I (publishers who generally know what is salable) and to the all-knowing God of all.

Editing, Eh?
The manuscript itself is going for a final Extreme Make-Over “Andrew Edition” today and should be ready to be spirited off in various forms to various destinations in the coming weeks. Andrew, my co-blogger and mythical, ghost-like, haunting presence here at the MMSC, has been busy with many things and has very kindly apportioned time to make a more perfect order out of my manuscript, including, but not limited to, correcting my great propensity to run-on sentences. He has my deep gratitude and thanks for that (but I want them back in case I need them later).

The Various Destinations
The rules say you can’t just send your manuscript to anyone, and you shouldn’t. So, having completed major work on my novel in the past couple months, I have been researching who might be most appropriate to publish it. And, secondarily, who may be willing to actually look at the manuscript. The Publishing Houses are in a bit of a pickle, they can’t read at every single story from every person who thinks they are the next J.K. Rowling. Have you ever seen American Idol? Then you understand their problem. Some worthwhile publishers do take manuscripts; some will take a query letter (as in “would you like to see more?”), a synopsis, maybe an outline, and 10-50 pages, or the first three chapters. I am sorting all of that out and coming up with a plan. Unfortunately, many of the places I would like my novel to be considered are closed up pretty tight, stating they only take manuscripts from agents. And most agents don’t take on unpublished writers, thus the dilemma:

“You can’t submit to a publisher without an agent and you can’t get an agent without being published.”

The Rules

Apparently most agents that you can get before you are published are bad news anyway. See these warnings if you are a newbie like me.

Mission Impossible?
So I should give up. No. Here I will invoke Thomas A. Edison.

 

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”

 

I am not going to give up; it’s just the start of a new chapter in this adventure. I poured a lot of heart, soul, and sweat into my manuscript (it is very soggy), and now that it is done I have to pour a lot of energy into getting the story before an audience with people who are a gateway to a potentially much larger audience. This takes time.

Ad Finem
So, this is where I am. I appreciate your prayers, and your interest in the novel. I plan to do more posts about this in the coming days. Please post any questions in the comments box, and any comments should go in the questions box. Actually, use the comments box for everything, including gifts of Yoo-Hoo and Big-League Chew.

UPDATE: I just realized that I didn’t really answer the question completely.
Q: When will my novel be readable?
A: I don’t know, it seems to take a while in this industry to get things going. But I will update our regular readers here at the MMSC of all the (hopefully) progress to come.

no comments | posted in The News, Writing on Writing

Oct 8 2007

Good Feeling
» S.D. Smith

I am happy to announce, to the zero people who read this blog, that I completed the first draft of my first novel on this day in history.
 
It feels good. I still have a lot of work to do, but I got a lot done today. It was the first day that I could turn my attention to my story in a long time, and I was able to make it pay by writing 6,000 or so words. My wife, as always, was a huge help, supporter, encourager, etc. I did still eat two meals with the family and played with the kids for a while, so I wasn’t a total absent father.
 
And here is a massive picture of me. Yes, I do have a werewolf-like tooth.

I have wanted to do this for a long time, and it is nice to have finally finished my book, at least in a manner of speaking.

Now…on to revisions, corrections etc.

no comments   |  tags: , , | posted in The News, Uncategorized, Writing on Writing