One of the things I love about Boston is the local theater scene.  The Company One production of  Qui Nguyen’s “She Kills Monsters” was in it’s last evening kickass performances when the wife and I saw it (note to any cast member who happens to read this: 4:00 PM show, the guy with the loud laugh.  That was me).

I write fantasy—so yes.  I played D&D when I was younger.  And the show is heavy with outstanding references that poke fun and embrace the ‘game of nerds’ at the same time.

It’s the story of straight-laced Agnes, a 25-year-old schoolteacher who lost her parents and her younger sister, Tilly, in a car accident.  While cleaning up her sister’s room, Agnes discovers a D&D game written by the late teen and decides (with the help of Dungeon Master Chuck) to play the weird game her geek-sister had loved so much.

We meet Tilly through her character, Tillius the Paladin, and share in the adventure as Agnes finally finds out who her teenage sister was.

And there are two evil succubi cheerleaders.  How can you go wrong with that?

Intertwined with the game, the audience is drawn into the life Tilly led— we experience her fears, her love and most of all–her hopes. And we also, along with Agnes, learn a bit about ourselves as well.

The cast were fab—each in her or his own way bringing to life a cast of characters born from dice.

The Cast

Back Row: Stewart Evan Smith (Orcus), Paige Clark Perkinson (Agnes), Jordan Clark (Tilly/Tillius the Paladin), Adobuere Ebiama (Kaliope/Kelly), Meredith Saran (Lilith/Lily)

Front Row: Jordan Sobel (Miles), Jacqui Dupré (Evil Gabby), Mike Handelman (Dungeon Master Chuck), Kaitee Tredway (Evil Tina)

PHOTO: Copyright © 2012 BostonTheatreScene.com

This gem of a play was well performed and well received.  It’s in its last night, so I’m afraid the review is a bit late to help build an audience.  However, if you are local or ever visiting Boston, check out the Boston Center for the Arts and especially the shows that Company One put on.

Bravo and brava.  Well done all.

Peace

The reader chosen theme for the next Word Count Podcast got out to an early start and never looked back!

So without further ado, I give you the episode 31 story prompt:

The Thief

As I cackle madly in imagining what our Word Count Irregulars will come up with, allow me to provide generalities about the show.

I put together the podcast to feature writers (new and “old hands,” famous and just starting) as a way to get YOUR writing out there.  The show is simple; based on a prompt; you create an original short story and then record yourself reading it.  That’s it.

No ads, no hard sell.  Just a podcast with great stories.

Why do I do it?  It’s a hobby.  And I’ve been meeting wonderful authors through the show.  It’s all about networking and friendships.

The show has been downloaded over 12000 times since it started, an average of

about 500 per episode.  Listen to past shows HERE or you can download/subscribe via iTunes.

Easy, fun and you’ll pick up a few more fans.

So…you’ll be needing the guidelines then.  Right.

THE WORD COUNT EPISODE 31

Submission Guidelines (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)

GENRE: Any.

DEADLINE: I must receive your submission by SUNDAY 12 May, 2013

THE DETAILS: The work must be an original work based on the prompt (“The Thief”) Do NOT exceed ten minutes. As this is a podcast, I need to receive a file of YOU, a friend or multiple friends reading (singing or otherwise performing) your work. MP3 FORMAT ONLY, and please attach your MP3 file to an e-mail or contact me for a Dropbox link.

Your submission MUST also contain the following:

Your pen name

Your latest bio

Links to your website(s) – Include your personal site, Facebook Fanpage etc.

Your Twitter handle (if you have one)

A photo of you I can use for the show notes

At the end of your recording, please add “This is <state your name> author of <state your work(s)> and you’re listening to The Word Count Podcast”

Permission to use your recording in the podcast.

Send your file to me@rbwood.com (or via the dropbox link I can provide) by 12 May 2013. You can also e-mail me with questions beforehand. I do reserve the right NOT to post your submission, but will communicate that to you should it be the case.

I add the ‘Explicit’ tag to the ‘cast, so if your story uses adult themes or language that’s ok—but it should be necessary for the story.

Peace

“Can I %^&*ing talk to you for a minute?”

Those were the first words my late friend Jeannine Lennihan Firestone said to me.  I was running a project–moving her and the department she worked for to another building.  The type of project I’ve run a dozen times in my 30-year career.

“Sure,” I said.  “What’s up?” (Having grown up in New York, I was very used to the f-word being used as punctuation).

Jeannine spent ten minutes grilling me with questions she had regarding the move.  I answered each of her questions–and at the end, she smiled at me (with that nose wrinkling crooked smile that melted hearts everywhere) and said “Okay then.  That’s satisfactory.”

From her, that was high praise.

I know it sounds bitchy—and I guarantee I thought the same thing back then.  But it wasn’t.  It was just Jeannine.  She is—was (I’m still having difficulties speaking about her in the past tense) a perfectionist.  And the simple fact is she expected that from everyone.

We are talking about a woman who made director of a pharmaceutical company in her mid-thirties, was an extremely talented artist, a sports competitor (She played professional dodgeball while pregnant.–very VERY pregnant), a mom and a wife.

Many of these things she also did while fighting stage four cancer.

While I was dating my wife in 2007, she mentioned to Jeannine that I was going to move in.  Confused, Jeannine asked “But where will he sleep?”

My wife gave her a look. Jeannine responded with “Oh!  I thought he was gay!”

“I assure you,” said my wife. “He’s not.”

A conversation we never let her forget.

Jeannine was someone full of life, full of competitive spirit, and full of love.  For her husband, Brant. Her son, Graham.  Her sister and the rest of her family.  Not to mention the far too numerous number of friends to name. She was a bright light that everyone wanted to see and be with.  Honest to a fault, demanding as all hell and one of the most amazing people I’ve ever had the privilege to know.

Her memory is something I will carry with me forever.  As I used a bit of who she is in one of the main characters in my series, I will always be visiting with her from time to time.

Right now, she’d be yelling at me for being sentimental.  But she’d be doing it with a twinkle in her eye, secretly pleased.

She might even consider it… satisfactory.

We love you J.  And always will.

Peace

Well, the massive project I’ve been working on went live this week and the Orange Karen anthology is out to critical acclaim.  So while I get back into my writing projects, I can’t think of a more fun way to celebrate then to put up a poll to pick the theme for the next Word Count Podcast (you can check out ALL the past shows via iTunes or by heading to my Libsyn page. ).

I’ve found a designer to help with what will eventually will become a separate site for The Word Count—but while she does here designing stuff, stay right here for now.

But for the next show—episode 31—we’ll do things the old fashioned way.

I’ve setup up a poll off to the left with a choice of FIVE possible prompts for The Word Count episode 31.  You know the drill—vote for your favorite by making a selection and clicking on the “vote” button.  Remember to check the results to confirm your vote counted as sometimes the interwebs are as touchy as a menstruating cougar.

WAIT.  You don’t KNOW what the Word Count Podcast is?  Well, read ON dear sinner!

What is The Word Count Podcast?

It is a free broadcast by writers for writers.  Simply put, a theme for each show is announced via this site, Twitter and Facebook and writers are given a week or two to write AND RECORD their stories based on said theme.

Why?

Why not, says I.  It’s a great way to practice writing and public speaking.  It’s another way for writers to get their work “out there.”  And I love to meet fellow authors and have a blast putting the show together.  It’s just that simple.

Now for the voting!

Again, to the LEFT, I’ve posted five potential prompts for the next Word Count.  The poll will remain open for the weekend, and close out midnight the 3rd of May 2013.

I think there are a few good ones to choose from…so vote often an early and get your friends to help YOU pick the theme for the next Word Count!

Peace

With everything that’s been going on this past week in my hometown of Boston, I thought I’d post something good…actually…something GREAT.

CASCADE EFFECT (FIVE STARS)

In the second book of the Physics of Falling series, called Cascade Effect, author Leah Petersen builds on the origin story of Fighting Gravity and throws our newlyweds—Jake and Pete—into the political machinations and maneuvering of the Emperor’s court. 

The future in Petersen’s universe has made peace with the subject of homosexuality, but still struggles with class as the elite of the Empire continue to scheme against the young couple.  The intricate web woven here reminded me greatly of Robert Graves’ “I Claudius,” and is a testament to Petersen’s plotting and overall storytelling skills. 

But even with the fluidity of loyalties and the complexity of the schemes afoot, Cascade Effect shines the most in scenes between Pete and Jake.  The relationship is the cornerstone of the trilogy, and the depth in which Petersen explores how the men grow together and expand their family is touching.  You will care what happens to these characters and the rollercoaster of emotions the reader will feel will leave you both exhausted and wanting the third book simultaneously. 

Petersen’s growth as an author is obvious and I look forward to more from this young writer.

Links to both Book One (Fighting Gravity) and Book Two (Cascade Effect) below. Absolutely a pick-them-up-today situation!

Peace

Book One: AMAZON                 Book Two: AMAZON

As a resident of Boston, I feel compelled to write about the tragic events that occurred at the Marathon on Patriot’s Day.

 

One of the many reasons I call Boston home is the extremely diverse population.  You want intellectual stimulation?  We have that.  Jazz clubs? No problem.  Passionate professional sports teams and their passionate fans? We have loads of them.  You want to find a Chinese New Year party or a Passover celebration? How about Ramadan or Diwali? My point is all are welcome here.

 

I want to first thank everyone for their concerned calls, texts and postings—we are fine and love you all for your concern.

 

But many people are not fine.  And three– eight-year-old Martin Richard of Dorchester, MA; twenty-nine-year-old Krystle Campbell of Arlington, MA and Boston University student and Chinese National Lu Lingzi—will never be “fine” again.

 

As of this writing, over 80 people are still in hospital of the 170+ who were wounded as a result of this cowardly attack.  There have been, and will continue to be surgeries, amputations and long rehabilitation paths ahead. But we have top tier medical centers and professionals—so I’m confident that the best care possible will be provided to all the victims of this unspeakable act of violence.

 

Eventually, the perpetrators will be brought to justice.  It’s too soon—and quite frankly dangerous—to speculate on who may have planted the devices.

 

In Massachusetts, we have a holiday called (as I mentioned earlier) “Patriot’s Day.”  It’s a 238-year old tradition dating back to the battles of Lexington and Concord.  The day reminds us of what we have fought for and the patriotism that makes us who we are. It is a celebration steeped in American History and we will celebrate the 239^th Patriot’s Day next year.  And the Boston Marathon—the oldest marathon in the states– will be run again as well.

 

We are Bostonians.  We will argue with Yankee fans, scream at our politicians, enjoy a wicked-good Sam Adams with a  “lobstah,” and help those in need.

 

And we will do it all again tomorrow.  Because that’s who we are.

 

We will mourn our dead, take care of our wounded.  And when we find out who did this….

 

Well.

 

We’ll “take care” of them too.

You may have noticed the Website has a bit of an orange tinge to it.

Well, I mentioned a while back that I’d had a short story accepted as a part of an anthology.  But this book, out right now, is more than an anthology.

Much, much more.

Orange Karen: Tribute to a Warrior is a work of love, admiration and quite frankly of hope for a fellow author.

Karen DeLebar—called “Orange Karen” due to her red hair—is a writer as well.  You have NO idea how good it is to use the present tense in that phrase.

See, less than a year ago she very nearly died from Toxic Shock Syndrome.  To this day, no one knows what really caused it. But the one thing friends, family and the doctors agree on, is that Karen is still with us today because of her fighting spirit, her tenacity and her strong survival instinct.

In short—she’s a warrior woman.

She still feels the effects of her struggle to this day, and you can read the details of her recovery at her site.

Everyday, this mother of two gets stronger.  Every day she survives.

But the medical bills are mounting.  And that’s where our anthology comes into play.

Thirty-nine authors and many more individuals have donated their time and their talents to build a collection of stories all written to one theme.

Orange.

The writing is top tier. The editing vicious and brilliant. The artwork stunning.  This is a book I’m honored to be a part of, and encourage you all to pick up.

Because not only are the stories worth your time, but 100% of the proceeds go to pay down the medical bills of a very brave, extremely well loved woman.

LINKS TO PURCHASE:

Paperback (US Amazon)

Kindle eBook (Amazon)

Well that was exciting!

The poll to choose the prompt for the next Word Count Podcast went well past midnight, tied for a good part of the weekend.

But there can be only one in the end, so without further ado, I give you the episode 29 prompt:

That’s when the cameras all turned toward me…

It’s gonna be a weird one!

So now that the glove has been tossed down, you might be wondering– what IS The Word Count and how do you participate?

I put together the podcast to feature writers (new and “old hands,” famous and just starting) as a way to get YOUR writing out there.  The show is simple; based on a prompt, you create an original short story, then record yourself reading it.  That’s it.

No ads, no hard sell.  Just a podcast with great stories.

Why do I do it?  It’s a hobby.  And I’ve been meeting wonderful authors through the show.  It’s all about networking and friendships.

The show has been downloaded over 10,000 times since it started, an average of

about 500 per episode.  Listen to past shows HERE or you can download/subscribe via iTunes.

Easy, fun and you’ll pick up a few more fans.

So…you’ll be needing the guidelines then.  Right.

THE WORD COUNT EPISODE 29

Submission Guidelines (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)

GENRE: Any.

DEADLINE: I must receive your submission by 29 March, 2013

THE DETAILS: The work must be an original work based on the prompt (“That’s when the cameras all turned toward me…”) Do NOT exceed ten minutes. As this is a podcast, I need to receive a file of YOU, a friend or multiple friends reading (singing or otherwise performing) your work. MP3 FORMAT ONLY, and please attach your MP3 file to an e-mail or contact me for a Dropbox link.

Your submission should also contain the following:

• Your pen name
• Your latest bio
• Links to your website(s) – Include your personal site, Facebook Fanpage etc.
• Your Twitter handle (if you have one)
• A photo of you I can use for the show notes
• At the end of your recording, please add “This is <state your name> author of <state your work(s)> and you’re listening to The Word Count Podcast”
• Permission to use your recording in the podcast.

Send your file to me@rbwood.com (or via the dropbox link I can provide) by 29 March 2013. You can also e-mail me with questions beforehand. I do reserve the right NOT to post your submission, but will communicate that to you should it be the case.

I add the ‘Explicit’ tag to the ‘cast, so if your story uses adult themes or language that’s ok—but it should be necessary for the story.

Peace

Seven stories last time!  It looks like the Word Count Podcast is back to stay!

(You can check out ALL the past shows via iTunes or by heading to my Libsyn page. )

I’m lining up a few tweaks to the show in the coming months—from a dedicated show webpage (with a bit more flair than the Libsyn site) to trying out a few suggestions I’ve received from some of the “Word Count Irregulars”—authors who participate on the show on a semi-frequent basis.

But for the next show—episode 29—we’ll do things the old fashioned way.

I’ve setup up a poll off to the left with a choice of FIVE possible prompts for The Word Count episode 29.  You know the drill—vote for your favorite by making a selection and clicking on the “vote” button.  Remember to check the results to confirm your vote counted as sometimes the interwebs are as touchy as a menstruating cougar.

WAIT.  You don’t KNOW what the Word Count Podcast is?  Well, read ON dear sinner!

What is The Word Count Podcast?

It is a free broadcast by writers for writers.  Simply put, a theme for each show is announced via this site, Twitter and Facebook and writers are given a week or two to write AND RECORD their stories based on said theme.

Why?

Why not, says I.  It’s a great way to practice writing and public speaking.  It’s another way for writers to get their work “out there.”  And I love to meet fellow authors and have a blast putting the show together.  It’s just that simple.

Now for the voting!

Again, to the LEFT, I’ve posted five potential prompts for the next Word Count.  The poll will remain open for the weekend, and close out midnight the 17^th of March 2013.

I think there are a few good ones to choose from…so vote often an early and get your friends to help YOU pick the theme for the next Word Count!

Peace

I love trying to guess what readers of my blog and fans of The Word Count will pick for each show’s theme.  For this week we had quite a few interesting choices, but one (as it always does) seemed to be the favorite and it wasn’t the theme I expected:

One. Two. Three. He caressed each bullet in the palm of his hand before slipping it into its chamber…

We’re gonna get some very interesting stories from this prompt!

So, what IS The Word Count and how do you participate?

I put together the podcast to feature writers (new and “old hands,” famous and just starting) as a way to get YOUR writing out there.  The show is simple; based on a prompt, you create an original short story, then record yourself reading it.  That’s it.

No ads, no hard sell.  Just a podcast with great stories.

Why do I do it?  It’s a hobby.  And I’ve been meeting wonderful authors through the show.  It’s all about networking and friendships.

The show has been downloaded over 10,000 times since it started, an average of

about 500 per episode.  Listen to past shows HERE or you can download/subscribe via iTunes.

Easy, fun and you’ll pick up a few more fans.

So…you’ll be needing the guidelines then.  Right.

THE WORD COUNT EPISODE 28

Submission Guidelines (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)

GENRE: Any.

DEADLINE: I must receive your submission by 1 March, 2013

THE DETAILS: The work must be an original work based on the prompt (“One. Two. Three. He caressed each bullet in the palm of his hand before slipping it into its chamber…”) Do NOT exceed ten minutes. As this is a podcast, I need to receive a file of YOU, a friend or multiple friends reading (singing or otherwise performing) your work. MP3 FORMAT ONLY, and please attach your MP3 file to an e-mail or contact me for a Dropbox link.

Your submission should also contain the following (via e-mail):

• Your pen name
• Your latest bio
• Links to your website(s) – Include your personal site, Facebook Fanpage etc.
• Your Twitter handle (if you have one)
• A photo of you I can use for the show notes
• Permission to use your recording in the podcast.

Send your file to me@rbwood.com (or via the dropbox link I can provide) by 1 March 2013. You can also e-mail me with questions beforehand. I do reserve the right NOT to post your submission, but will communicate that to you should it be the case.

I add the ‘Explicit’ tag to the ‘cast, so if your story uses adult themes or language that’s ok—but it should be necessary for the story.

Peace 

Well, the last show was a boat load of awesomesauce, ready to go again?

<Insert THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID joke here>

I’ve lined up a poll off to the left with a choice of FIVE possible prompts for The Word Count episode 28.  And you guys get to pick the next challenge for our cadre of writers!

Neat, huh?

WAIT.  You don’t KNOW what the Word Count Podcast is?  Well, read ON dear sinner!

What is The Word Count Podcast?

It is a free broadcast by writers for writers.  Simply put, a theme for each show is announced via this site, Twitter and Facebook and writers are given a week or two to write AND RECORD their stories based on said theme.

Why?

Why not, says I.  It’s a great way to practice writing and public speaking.  It’s another way for writers to get their work “out there.”  And I love to meet fellow authors and have a blast putting the show together.  It’s just that simple.

CHECK OUT THE POST BELOW THIS ONE for links to past shows or to here the last episode!

Now for the voting!

Off to the LEFT, I’ve posted five potential prompts for the next Word Count.  The poll will remain open until late Friday, 15 February 2013 .  You can vote once per day and make SURE your vote counted by checking the results!

(Select your choice, click the “Vote” button, then check the “Results” button to make sure your vote counted)

I think there are a few good ones to choose from…so vote often an early and get your friends to help YOU pick the theme for the next Word Count!

Peace