by Deena
Welcome to Coyote Con!
Introduce Yourself!
This is your virtual blackboard. Post a comment introducing yourself. Tell us what you write and what sessions you’re looking forward to. Talk about your favorite authors, the most frustrating part of writing, or just say hello.
We’re glad you’re here!
If any link in your comment or name looks like spam (Selling viagra, for example; talking about your work is fine.) your comment will not be approved and your con registration may be canceled.
Hi,
I’m a newly published author, as of December 2009. My first little book, The Bowdancer, was picked up by Breathless Press and launched a whole series called The Bowdancer Saga. The next two books, The Wayfarer’s Road and Warrior Women have already been accepted and we are doing edits. The fouth book turned into a separate trilogy and currently is called The Lost Song. One I get it divided and properly titled, it will go in queue for consideration.
I have been a successful full-time freelance journalist for the past 10 years and finally had my life’s dream come true with the publication of this series.
I am currently working on another timewarp (into the future) book and an occult mystery or two.
I just found out about Coyote Con recently and am glad to see more online writers conferences like this. I’ve been a participant for the Muse Online Writers Conference since it started and will be a presenter this year.
This is a great idea! I’ll be traveling for the first half of May so will catch the workshops and forums as WIFI will allow.
Deena Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 5:53 pm
@JanieFranz, hi Janie, I only just heard about Muse this week. It looks like a great conference.
Hi,
My name is Lakisha Spletzer and I’m a new author too. This year, I self-published my first novel, “Jewels” (science fiction/paranormal) and I have a YA paranormal novel, “Werelove: Dusk Conspiracy,” coming out May 1.
I’m a single parent who has been doing some form of writing since the age of 8.
I found out about Coyote Con through one of the yahoo groups I’m a member of. I’ve been spreading the word to others that I hope will take advantage of this conference.
Deena Reply:
April 27th, 2010 at 11:58 am
Hi Lakisha! Thanks for spreading the word. Registration runs throughout the conference, so keep ‘em coming!
Lakisha Spletzer Reply:
April 27th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
@Deena, Trust me, I do. I’m not shy, not at all. lol.
Deena Reply:
April 27th, 2010 at 9:23 pm
@Lakisha Spletzer, Hee! I’m glad to hear it.
Hello, everyone!
I’m Ashley and I like to write Christian speculative. I have one novel completed, but as I am learning more about writing, I’m seeing that it needs major revision. I have another near completion, and five more in very sketchy stages. I am far from being published, but it is a dream of mine.
) I am a pastor’s wife and I have three little ones 4 and under. Writing time is a luxury right now, but I’m hoping as they get older, I can focus more on my books.
What an awesome opportunity! I’m excited to learn more about the craft and soak up some new perspectives. Thanks to those who are organizing this conference!
Deena Reply:
April 27th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Hello Ashley, with 3 under 4, I’m surprised you can find any time to write! I hope I’ll see you in Carole McDonnell’s “Speculative Christian” session.
Hello all. I was never good with introductions but here goes nothing~
I enjoy mostly fiction and historical fiction books. I found this out when I looked at my library and saw that I was a nerd for these type of books *laughs* Though I’m not published, I’m excited for the opportunities that will come my way! Fiction is mostly my dish though I do enjoy dabbling in other genres. I’m currently working on a 5 year project. It’s probably older than I expect it to be.
So far, Marek Halter and Phillippa Greggory are my favorites. I’m sure to find other authors floating about that I’d enjoy. As for writing woes, I hate starting things and ending them. I like to be right in the middle. Any one else hate to write the beginnings of stories? Outline and writing down notes is my favorite part. I geek out for those moments.
I found out about the Con through a dear friend of mine. I’m looking foreward to all the sessions being offered. We can all gain a little more knowledge : )
Deena Reply:
April 27th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Hi Sarah, I’m glad you’ve joined us! I’ve never read Marek Halter. I’ll have to find one of her books.
I’m Jocelyn Devon and I write romance. You can find me at http://writerjocelyndevon.blogspot.com am looking orward to the conference.
Deena Reply:
April 28th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
Hi Jocelyn, and welcome!
I write. When people join the critique group I am in we say what we write. So here is a partial list; sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, paranormal, childrens, YA and the only published works non fiction. I heard about this con on Realm of Fantasy and I attended Muse online last year. I have 7 children all over the age of 15 so the time does change as they grow. I hope to always continue growing as a writer and that is why I am here.
Deena Reply:
April 28th, 2010 at 6:34 pm
Hi Zan, glad you could join us–thanks for your help testing the con rooms!
Hello, My name is Richard Zech. I’m unpublished as a writer so far but I’m working on that. I write short stories in horror, mysteries and any thing I can branch off of them. I have been dabbling in writing for several years now, at least as a new career. Prior to that I was a freelance photographer, published. So I’m here now to see what I can discover. By the way, if you want to know what the OWG stands for, you’ll have to ask. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you over the upcoming month.
Deena Reply:
April 29th, 2010 at 11:21 am
Welcome, Richard! I hope you enjoy the con.
Hello, my name is Samuel Montgomery-Blinn. I’m an infrequent writer (a Thaumatrope serial “Dark Elf”, a PicFic, an upcoming 52 Stitches flash piece) and pretty much focus my time as editor and publisher for Bull Spec (http://bullspec.com/), a quarterly print/PDF magazine of speculative fiction. I’m looking forward to hearing about the ways people find and read stories on this threshold bridging the “old world” of print with the “new world” of e-books and audiobooks and all the rest.
Deena Reply:
April 29th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
Hi Sam! I’m glad you’re here.
Hello, everyone. I’m Pam Turner and I write urban fantasy and paranormals. My short novel, Death Sword, is scheduled for publication by Lyrical Press in 2011. I grew up reading mystery, fantasy,and horror, and learned about this con via Twitter. I also write screenplays and my short, “Cemetery,” won second place in the Writers’ Place short screenplay contest. I started writing novellas and horror anthologies at age 11. After college, I put my creative writing on hiatus to work as a freelance magazine writer. I’m now back to writing fiction. Looking forward to the conference and improving my writing.
Deena Reply:
April 29th, 2010 at 11:32 pm
Hi Pam, and welcome. Death Sword is a great title. Congratulations!
I’d love to add sessions on script writing. Maybe we could call on you for one next year.
Hello, all! Thanks to Lakisha Spletzer and the Broad Universe discussion boards for alerting me to Coyote Con. I’ve been to various in-person conventions, but this is my first online conference. I’m interested in just about everything and will attend when I can access WiFi or when my at-home dial-up can keep up.
My fiction and poetry publications go back to the 1970s; I wrote my first submissions on a Smith-Corona manual typewriter! I’m a member of Broad Universe, Science Fiction Poetry Association, and SFWA. Was a John W. Campbell Award finalist in ’85. My website has my bibliography and much more, including free downloads of my Deviations series: http://home.earthlink.net/~emalcohn/index.html.
My writing is eclectic, but I was heavily influenced by New Wave SF back in the late 60s/early 70s (my “golden age of science fiction” really was twelve!). My fiction has been called both SF and dark fantasy, with smatterings of horror here and there. “Hermit Crabs,” in Electric Velocipede #14, is on the recommended reading list in The Year’s Best SF, 26th Annual Edition. My poetry ranges across SF, fantasy, horror, science, and outside the genre. Published work also includes articles, creative nonfiction, and photography. I work in freelance communications.
Looking forward to a great conference; thanks for putting it all together! — Elissa
Deena Reply:
April 30th, 2010 at 11:31 pm
Hey Elissa, thanks for joining us!
Hi you guys!
Oliver here, coming to you live from Michigan!
I found out about this awesome con just in the nick of time over at Savvy Authors. I’m a twitter with anticipation, looking forward to a month of interesting topics and a different sea of screen names!
Most folks call me ‘Terminally Insane’, but I didn’t think it would look dignified on a book cover. So I chose pen names George Allwynn, Oliver York & TNT Harrison. (I’m bi-polar. My Inner Sybil has rights, you know…)
My passions include: writing, reading, cats, tattoos, ANYTHING British, author quotes, research, green living, history, & NYC.
I write F2M or M/M romance w/a touch of suspense, paranormal or an odd contemporary with what I consider humor (anyone think Monty Python is hilarious?)
Future challenges? I would like to try my hand at the Steam Punk genre.
Why do I write romance? Because Bea A. Muse – my muse who looks like Bea Author (Maude/Golden girls) and channels Ernest Hemingway’s’ feminine side have nagged me since I was 16 to write glbt romance.
Though dominate in nature, I submitted to their will, providing I could pen the tales with a suspense/paranormal/humor/occasional Edwardian slant.
As to date, the three of us are happy with the arrangement (though there was that decade I repented and became a chaplain, but we won’;t go there.) A typical day consists of a moody Maude, a slightly soused Hemingway, and cats trying to help me type on the computer.
I’m pre-published (with LOTS of great aspects even though my style is rather lavender blue.) What can I say? I am who I am – a writer who has one helluva imagination and the panache for always taking the path less traveled.
TO ALL SAVVY Author MEMBERS! IT’s ME! Harrison!
Deena Reply:
May 1st, 2010 at 3:25 pm
@Oliver, I think it would be nice if you lived next door so I could invite you over for tea (with something extra in the cup for Hemmingway). What a great introduction. I’m glad you found us!
widdershins Reply:
May 2nd, 2010 at 3:35 pm
@Oliver,
OK I get the Bea Arthur reference now … she’s one of my all-time heros, right next to Agnes Morehead (Endora from ‘bewitched’) … and as for Monty Python… it has to be the Parrot Sketch…. ever heard of the Goon Show? from the golden years of BBC radio
Kris M Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
@Oliver, hey there buddy!!! I love Monty Python old – like the parrot sketch but my favorite of all time is the “Holy Grail” movie. I have it on DVD and have watched it so many times (at least like 30) that I can pretty much recite the darn thing..
I like the Bea reference too. I already knew about Hemingway…
Hello all! My name is Stacey Turner. I’m a freelance writer, but my first love is horror fiction. I have several short stories as yet unpublished and I’m working on my first novel. I heard about the convention through “With Intent to Commit Horror” and passed it on to my writing buddy. We both signed up as soon as registration opened! I have four children aged 16-19. My oldest has autism and one of my 18 yr olds is a foster child who became family. I worked part time as a bookseller while they were growing and homeschooled two of them. Now that they are all about to start college (yes, even the 16 yr old, he’s a smarty pants) I finally have time to focus on my professional goals!! This is my first non-autism conference and I’m very excited!
I also have a fun & fairly successful humor blog @ http://www.whatpassesforsaneonacrazyday.blogspot.com -it’s also available for subscription on kindle. My favortite authors of horror are Stephen King and Joe Hill. I’m also a fan of Sarah Langan, John Saul, Dean Koontz, Bentley Little, Alexandra Sokoloff, and many others. Outside horror I love Phillipa Greggory, Jean Kalogridis, Tess Gerritsen, Robin Cook, and Kelley Armstrong. I’m very eclectic in my reading tastes.
Thanks so much for having an online conference!!
Stacey
Deena Reply:
May 1st, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Stacey! The undead rat is my husband. He’ll be so glad you came because of his post. He’ll be talking about libraries and acquisitions one of the Sundays.
We have an autistic punkin too–he’s 7, and evil (pretty much like all 7-year-olds), but really, really cute. Dang it.
I’m glad you joined us!
Spot_writes Reply:
May 1st, 2010 at 7:02 pm
@Deena, my autistic son is a sweetie. The youngest son however, has been planning to take over the world since he could talk. I keep begging him to use his genius for good…but he’s settled on becoming the dictator of slovakia…Lol.
Your husband puts out a great newsletter! And I owe him my thanks for letting me know about this conference. I’ve already learned so much!
I’m Anna, and am very intrigued by this online conference! I write mostly speculative fiction (you can read my free online serials at http://www.qazyfiction.com) and like any author am also an utter bookworm. I’m still looking through the schedule so I can’t say which talk I’m looking forward to the most — and being in London UK means that a number of them are at inconvenient times for me — but still! This is all very exciting.
Deena Reply:
May 1st, 2010 at 3:29 pm
Hi Anna, I’m glad you made it. I’m sorry about the time thing. Hopefully next year we’ll have more stuff conveniently timed for you, and us USians will have to get up in the middle of the night to join the fun.
Has anyone noticed the increase in demonic activity over the past 30 years or so? I’m Rebecca Ryals Russell alias vigorio and I’m writing a 5-part series called The Seraphym Wars Prophecy. Book 1: Odessa is complete and in search of a home. It is written for the Young Adult audience in the hopes they will begin to look around and be aware. I used actual news stories scattered throughout to indicate the evil my antagonists (demons) do.
This has been a venture over the past 30 years as I taught Middle Grades English and raised my own 4 kids (2 in college and 2 teens). So the subject is near and dear to my heart.
You can check it out at http://www.rebeccaryalsrussell.wordpress.com or my fan page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Seraphym-Wars-Series/374890096990?ref=ts There are also chapters 1-4 posted at http://www.booksie.com/young_adult/novel/rebecca_ryals_russell/seraphym-wars-prophecy-book-1:-odessa/chapter/1
I would LOVE feedback.
Rebecca Ryals Russell
Demon Hunter
Out to Change the World; One Book at a Time
Deena Reply:
May 1st, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Hi Rebecca, welcome to the con!
Hi,
I’m Jo Thomas. I write speculative fiction (plugging the web-site: http://www.journeymouse.net) with a few shorts published – I’m working on the longer stuff
– and hang around in the Drollerie Press forums (http://drolleriepress.com/forum/index.php).
Oliver: Seriously? _Anything_ British?
Anna & Deena: Timing is not great from the UK but perhaps the North Americans need to work on the leaving written notes behind method
Deena Reply:
May 1st, 2010 at 4:47 pm
Hey Jo, I’m glad you made it. There will be transcripts of every session (barring mishaps). The notes will live on!
I’m Marva Dasef. Two “real” published books through Sam’s Dot Publishing. Found that I could do fine with a few self-pubs, so I’m doing that as well.
Website: http://marvadasef.com
Blog: http://mgddasef.blogspot.com/
Currently running a blog series on Myths and Legends (or at least how I screw them up in my own writing). This link goes to just the M&L posts: http://lnk.ms/66Kh5
See you all in the conference rooms!
Deena Reply:
May 2nd, 2010 at 1:05 am
@Marva, Welcome! I’m glad you’re here.
Hi everybody. I’m Scott M. Sandridge, writer, editor, reviewer, podcaster…the list just keeps growing, lol! You can learn all about me and my warped little brain at http://smsand.wordpress.com
Deena Reply:
May 2nd, 2010 at 1:06 am
@basletum, hi Scott! (Basil Tum!) I’m happy you’re here.
I’ve stopped by the introduction thread a few times but I don’t think I’ve actually introduced myself.
Hi! I’m Amber. I write book reviews, fantasy and literary fiction. When I think of the Coyote Con I think of interval training. Short intense bursts of writing.
My site is at http://www.amberstults.com
Deena Reply:
May 2nd, 2010 at 1:06 am
@Amber_Stults, hi Amber, I’m glad you spoke up!
Hi, I’m Francine. I’m working on my first novel tentatively titled Ataxian Chronicles. I’m basically here to learn and try to adapt what I learn to my story.
My website is http://ataxianprincess.webs.com
Deena Reply:
May 2nd, 2010 at 1:07 am
@Rhiannon, welcome Francine, it’s lovely to have you.
I’m Amanda. I’m unpublished, but working on getting published. I completed my first ever MS in 23 days, it’s a erotica romance over 63,000 words. I’m in the middle of revisions right now. I do have plans in stored to write a ghost story and a YA. I like to write about anything. I did help co-write a second book from Ghostlahoma. This second book is about any place you can eat, sleep or drink with real ghost. I’m looking forward to this publication either at the end of this year or early next. So exciting!!!!
Deena Reply:
May 2nd, 2010 at 1:07 am
@Amanda Rhea, wow, that’s a lot of writing in a very short time. Good luck on finishing up!
Hey there…. its the wee smalls in Vancouver (Canada) and I’m still all aglow from the first day of the con…. it being my first, virtual or otherwise … and looking forward to a month of weekends…. many thinks to Leona Wisoker for mentioning it in her blog … about me… hmmm… well .. lets see how good you are!
“Riddle me this… I am a wife and I have no husband. I am a grandmother and I have never given birth. I have lived in three countries and the sun has never set on any of them. I’ve reinvented myself many times and my name has stayed the same since I became an adult.”
Apart from all that… I’ve been writing since high school where I submitted a short SF story to my science teacher in place of any knowledge I was able to retain about the Theory of Phligoston. (Although I do believe that that particular Theory has long since been debunked) Upon recieving an “A” and after-school detention I realised I was destined to be a writer of science fiction rather than any stripe of science factualist.
I’m currently on the second book of a trilogy that combines hard science fiction with high fantasy (an interesting marriage to say the least), having written the second one first and realised that I needed a little something as an aperitif … this has spawned… yes, I believe that’s the right word … at least three other books, and a host of bit-players who all want a larger piece of the action … my keyboard never sleeps!
Deena Reply:
May 2nd, 2010 at 11:16 am
Wow, your muse is busy! I’m glad you’re here! (I suck at riddles.)
Hi,everyone!
My name is Sharon King. I have been writing ever since I can remember. I started writing romance (seriously) a few years ago. Mostly historical but I started writing SFR about a month and a half ago.
I try to balance my writing time with taking care of my 4 children(5 if you count the hubby), but it doesn’t always work. Hope to learn alot from this conference.
Aloha,
Sharon
Deena Reply:
May 2nd, 2010 at 11:18 am
Hello Sharon, welcome to the con! If you didn’t get a ticket to Science Fiction Romance, show up anyway. There will probably be room.
Hello everyone
First of all, I just wanted to say what a great idea this is. I don’t have the opportunity to go to realworld conventions, so to have this opportunity here is fantastic!
I am an unpublished writer, who got serious about his craft about five years ago. I am hard at work on the third draft of my novel Thieftaker, an alternate history fantasy centred around the eponymous thieftaker, a bounty hunter/detective with the ability to steal the souls of the living… and the dead.
I currently live in France where I balance writing with my home life (married to the French-Italian love of my life) and work as a trainer in an assistance company. I hope to learn a lot from this conference.
Cheers,
Joel
Deena Reply:
May 2nd, 2010 at 6:04 pm
Hi Joel, I”m glad you got to join us!
Hello everyone; I’m posting this a bit tardily, as the conference has already started, but here goes: I’m a fantasy/SF writer with one published book under my belt to date, “Secrets of Blood and Sand” — out through Mercury Retrograde Press just last month. I love this conference so far, and can’t wait to meet y’all (yes, I’ve been in the south for a while now) … my web site, for more information, is http://www.leonawisoker.com, and my blog is http://leonawisoker.wordpress.com. Please do stop by! And thanks for being a part of this awesome new onlne adventure…
Deena Reply:
May 2nd, 2010 at 6:03 pm
Hi Leona, thanks for the introduction. Don’t worry about being late. We’ll be getting introductions all the way through, I hope!
Hi,
My first book was published in February 2009 by Red Rose Publishing, and is book 1 in a mystery series, Murder By Mistake. My second publication is a romantic suspense, Framed In Fear. The second book in the mystery series, Murder For Kicks, should be out sometimes this year. I write mysteries, some with romance, some thrillers, and have a YA timetravel I’m trying to get placed.
Jazzyartwriter 2 (Joan K. Maze)
Deena Reply:
May 2nd, 2010 at 6:05 pm
Hey Joan, thanks for letting us know about your books.
Hello all! I’m a little late, but I thought I’d post this anyhow.
My name is Alison and I’ve been writing fantasy and the occasional sci fi book now for almost 25 years. I’m not published, but I’d like to be someday. I’m mostly very shy about sharing my stories with people because I have the mindset that I write books that I’d like to read and most of the people I deal with aren’t as fond of the style of writing that appeals to me.
This being said, I prefer books that make me think a little – which is what I write – which makes them challenging at the best of times to get someone to sit down and read and tell me what they think other than, “I don’t like books that make me think, so I didn’t read all the way through it.” I’m blessed to be married to a man who thinks like I do, so he’s been my biggest support and also my sole editor when I get to the point where I have to have someone else read my stuff.
My current project, and the one I’m most dedicated to getting completely finished and out to agents by the end of this year, is the first book in my “Fall of Darkness” series. The working title right now is “Flame and Shadow”, based on the powers and personalities of my protagonists. I can’t really afford to go to the major cons so this is an absolutely amazing opportunity for me.
I’ve become very focused on my writing over the past year and my goal is to see my first book (at the very least) in print by the time I’m 40. I love to read as much as I love to write, so I know my writing tends to reflect the influences of my favorite authors.
Deena Reply:
May 3rd, 2010 at 7:47 am
Hey Alison, it’s never too late to say hello. Welcome!
Hello, everyone! I am unpublished, but nevertheless definitely a writer. I have written several short stories and poems (some published in College magazines, newspapers, and one literary magazine and one poem published in a book), but my passion is mainstream fiction and novels are my goal.
I have almost completed my first novel, but it will probably never be published under my name because the content is not what I want to be known for.
I am here to meet other writers, learn, and have fun.
I enjoy Dungeons and Dragons (which conflicts with my first conference, so my elvin self will have to chill until I’m finished! lol), writing (of course), and arguing with my muse.
It is a pleasure to attend this event and I really appreciate the opportunity. I heard of it on FaceBook and Twitter from a writer friend and I am also grateful to her for posting the information.
Deena Reply:
May 6th, 2010 at 4:33 pm
@Ymoinda, wlecome! I’m glad you found us.
Hi all! I’m Gary Inbinder, author of Confessions of the Creature, a speculative historical novel published by Drollerie Press. I’m a Review Editor at Bewildering Stories and my short fiction, articles and essays appear in BwS, Morpheus Tales, The Absent Willow Review, The Copperfield Review and other print and online publications. I’m scheduled to appear on the May 21 Coyote Con panel Accuracy In Historical Research. I’ve posted an outline on the subject at my blog: http://garyinbinder.com/ If you’re interested, please check it out. And your comments are welcome!
Gary
Deena Reply:
May 6th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
Hey Gary, thanks for the preview.
Hello everyone,
My name is W.D. (Bill) Gagliani, author of the novels WOLF’S TRAP, WOLF’S GAMBIT, WOLF’S BLUFF (June 29), and WOLF’S EDGE (2011), all published by Leisure Books. I also have a novel, SAVAGE NIGHTS, published for the Amazon Kindle (other formats pending). I have had a fair number of short stories published in various anthologies and magazines, with six Honorable Mentions from the YEAR’S BEST FANTASY & HORROR editors. I’ve also worked as a book reviewer since 1986, with reviews and nonfiction in many venues, such as The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Cemetery Dance, Chizine, HorrorWorld, Hellnotes, Crimespree, BookPage, BookLovers, The Scream Factory, Science Fiction Chronicle and many others. I’ve attended many a con starting in 1992, focusing on World Horror Conventions, World Fantasy Conventions, and Bram Stoker Award weekends (I was a nominee in 2004) — however, this is my first virtual con! I will be a panelist Sunday, May 9, at 8:00 PM EST, helping discuss series characters (since I write about one). I write horror, thrillers, noir crime, and related genres. Feel free to visit me at http://www.williamdgagliani.com and also on Facebooks and MySpace. Oh, and I’ll be attending Killercon 2 in Las Vegas at the end of August.
Deena Reply:
May 7th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Hey Bill, I’m glad you’re lending your expertise. Can’t wait for the session.
Hello everybody, my name is Amy Leigh McCorkle I’ve been on here a few days now thanks to the wonderful shadowcat. I am an author and independent filmmaker and sometimes wonder if anyone is interested in what I have to say lol. If you are you can hop over to one of these spots:
http://www.Healing-Hands-Entertainment.webs.com
http://www.twitter.com/WhenDovesCryAA
Deena Reply:
May 7th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Hi Amy, thanks for the links!
Hi, I’m Kele and I heard about Coyote Con through a friend, so I decided to give it a look, as I’ve been feeling rather isolated lately. I’m the author of a book of original fairy tales, DRAGONS OF THE MIND, and am currently obsessed with writing a contemporary fantasy series about a pagan witch in a small town in Colorado. The first volume took me a couple years to get through, but I’ve written the rough drafts of two sequels and about a third of yet another in the last four months! I’m interested in realistic portrayals of magical systems, non-Christian religions and the application of traditional folk tales to modern speculative fiction, although good sword battles are always exciting. At the moment, I am avoiding working on marketing materials for my first novel, THE UNQUIET GRAVE, as I stink at writing queries and synopses. Don’t you wish there was a way to get agents and editors to look at your work without them?
Looking forward to meeting more of you!
Kele
Deena Reply:
May 10th, 2010 at 10:41 am
Hi Kele, I’m glad you found us. I hope you find some inspiration and companionship here. Your books sound great!
Hi everyone,
I’m Erin Fanning, the author of “The Curse of Blackhawk Bay” (Sam’s Dot Publishing, 2008, a collection of suspense stories for young adults) and “Mountain Biking Michigan” (Globe Pequot Press, 2002). As you can tell, my writing interests are wide and varied.
I stumbled across Coyote Con while visiting the submissions page of Drollerie Press. And I’m very glad I found it–I look forward to hearing what other authors and writers have to say and learning something new.
Deena Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 11:33 am
Hi Erin, I’m glad you found our May hangout. DP submissions will re-open in June, so we can enjoy the con without keeping people waiting.
Greetings Deena and fellow word smiths – Just got into the Con and I am excited to join a pitch session or two and toss a few parsnips into what steams to be a virtual aromatic pot of talented stew
.
I am a “recovering scientist” turned environmental blogger and developing screenwriter. I have also been honing my short story writing chops. Most of my fiction is laced with alternative scenarios and sci-fi themes. I grew up reading sci-fi, but it gave my child’s brain a much overrated expectation of what being a scientist would entail (Gosh I would’ve loved a Nobel prize-worthy lab in my basement and a Tesseract-traveling daughter Madeleine L’Engle!). During my laborious hours at the bench, I would sometimes wish the 20th century had included android lab assistants!
Enter- the burning desire to create those realities with stories.
Wonderful to find like-minded writers to join in my efforts to bring forth an enthralling 21st century!
Deena Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 7:58 am
Hi Jean Marie, I’m glad you could join us. I always wondered about that 2 dimensional planet.
Late to the party! I only just found out about this con about 20 mins ago (already spreading the word on Twitter and the Jim Butcher Boards, writer’s section)
Who do I think I am: A short story author trying his hand at novel writing. In addition: a freelance thematic consultant, currently working for Dynamite Entertainment on the Hugo-nominated Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files; a moderator for http://www.jimbutcheronline.com; was chief editor for the Backspace and CHUDStories internet anthologies.
I also run a periodic media review journal called Coyote Reviews (no relation), whose mandate is to give a honest heads up to whatever crosses my fancy as Stuff That Entertains Me. http://www.coyote-reviews.livejournal.com
Other items of note: Spent 16 years as a head of staff with Project A-kon, and now speak at cons across Texas on speculative writing.
I’m insanely (and stupidly, probably) proud of the fact that a writing contest had to create new rules because I took 1st & 3rd place in FenCon’s first short fiction contest.
My work has also appeared on Mind’s Eye Fiction, alongside notables Stephen King, Fred Saberhagen, and Harlan Ellison.
All of this is often used by my friends to lasso my to a keyboard, beat him over the head, and yell “WRITE MORE!” I am annoyingly non-prolific with my own material.
Deena Reply:
May 16th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
Hey Michael, I’m glad you found us! Sounds like you fit right in.
Michael Ashleigh Finn Reply:
May 21st, 2010 at 7:24 am
@Deena, The-Work-That-Pays-The-Bills is hammering me and I keep missing the live panels, so THANK YOU for the transcripts!
Deena Reply:
May 21st, 2010 at 9:54 am
@Michael Ashleigh Finn, you’re welcome!
Hello everyone! I’m Gerald Rice. My first novel, “The Ghost Toucher” was accepted for publication this year. I’d been writing a long time before I decided to finally write a novel in 2009. It’s a horror/comedy and I think it’s a lot of fun. I’m currently writing a follow-up and blogging the whole process at my website, http://www.feelmyghost.webs.com. The book should be out this summer, but I’ve been trying to find conventions in my area just so I can meet authors who are in my situation or authors who have been through it. I’m looking forward to learning more about Coyote Con.
Deena Reply:
May 17th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Welcome, Gerald, and congratulations on your imminent release!
Author and artist living in Appalachia. My second book has been out about a month from Blackwyrm Games and Books out of Louisville. “The Holler” is a collection of twenty-four short stories about a surreal Appalachia. From ATMs that spew blood to maniacal recycling, these stories leave more than goosebumps. Fantasy and Sci-Fi are part of the mix. Open up this box of darkness and delusion and nibble away.
It was a blast writing these shorts and short-shorts. One of my first book signings was as part of the featured author group at Conglomeration 2010. Reviews from far and wide have been good. Regional alternative fiction rocks! My name is Marge Fulton and the book is, The Holler.
Deena Reply:
May 17th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
Welcome, Marge!
Hello! I write short stories and poetry. I started a novel, and I am working away on that. I’ve had poetry published in small markets, but I need to work on more. I adore storytelling, and I am both terrifically glad this is here and sorry I only saw it today.
Deena Reply:
May 22nd, 2010 at 11:27 pm
@Deire, I’m glad you found us before it was over! We’ll be back next year, though, so you can mark it on your calendar.
Hello,
my name is Tomm Gabbard,
and i have been writing / pencilling / inking small press comics since the late eightees.
The past few years, my interests have leaned heavily in favor of writing,
not just in the comics field, but any and all aspects of literal storytelling.
i love putting words on pages, i love crafting stories from my imagination,
i love creating worlds, catching reader’s imagination, evoking emotions.
however, i am in desperate need of education in the field of self promotion and marketing. lol
it does me little good to write what i feel is a great story, if no one sees it.
and i could always use improvement on my writing skills. you don’t stop learning untill your dead. =)
most of my writing to date, is in the horror, and sci fi genres, though i don’t rule out anything.
links to past stories i’ve done are
http://www.facebook.com/shavertomm?v=app_2347471856#!/notes/tomm-gabbard/pod-325-story-by-tomm-gabbard-proofed-and-edited-by-troy-boyle/64934584415
and
http://www.facebook.com/shavertomm?v=app_2347471856#!/note.php?note_id=63030769415
any opinions and or advice would be welcomed happily.
thanks
Deena Reply:
May 27th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Hey Tomm, welcome! I hope you find some helpful information here. Be sure to check the transcripts!
Hi! I’m Abra Staffin-Wiebe AKA cloudscudding AKA aswiebe. I’ve had about a dozen short stories published, most notably in Baen’s Universe (RIP). I also manage an updated-monthly sortable market listing spreadsheet for science fiction, fantasy, and horror, which comes with a monthly newsletter with new markets, a featured market, and shiny and useful links:
http://www.aswiebe.com/writing/markets.html
I’m cloudscudding on livejournal and twitter, and Abra Staffin Wiebe on facebook.
Deena Reply:
May 29th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Hi Abra, thanks for letting us know where to find you!
I miss you guys! We need more word wars!
Hi everyone – good so see some familiar names from the CoyoteCon conference. It’s great to stay in touch with everyone. My name is Kris McConville and I’ve been writing full-time for the past 2 yrs before that I was working as a lawyer. I’m admitted to practice in NYS and have been for 11 yrs now. I write the ‘Writer’s Court’ blog on Savvy Authors which is a blog for ‘legal issues for writers’ and deals with anything as small as giving me a scenario and asking me if it is ‘the way it is really done’ or how to do a living will war in court. When I’m not answering questions I post entries about issues that are relevant to writers such as things about copyright, writing contracts, defamation, etc.
I’m unpubbed still. I’m working on my first contemp romantic suspense set on a ranch in a small west Texas town. It has some animal rights thrown in because I’m very passionate about animals.
I’m the mother to three wonderful 4-legged babies (cats) Tigger(f) whose 13, Calie(f) whose 12 and Riley(m) who just turned 9 on the 15th.
I write an animal activism blog at http://www.animalvoice.wordpress.com
I also work part-time as a senior staff writer for a PR marketing firm in LA where most of the clients are B list celebrities. I’m responsible for all press releases.
And… I just started as a reviewer for two sites Night Owl Reviews and Happily Ever After.
Feel free to friend me on FB or on twitter as kmcconville.
Ha! Hi, Kris! I, too, am a lawyer struggling to switch to writing. You seem like you’ve made the right steps for the changeover–kudos! I’m licensed in PA, right next door. We’re practically neighbors.
Hi Everyone. I write womens’ fiction with an inspirational theme. I don’t fit into the rigid “Christian Fiction” guidelines so that’s why I’m here at Coyote! I enjoy the freedom of being able to write about real people in real situations dealing in realistic ways, AKA Real Life. My goal is to make God smile and I work hard to accomplish that. I currently have eleven books (with the 12th one in proofreading stage): 5 contemporary fiction, 5 historical fiction, and one nonfiction bible study (with the shocking title “Biblical Women and Who They Hooked Up With”).
I share a lot of work, research, and writing experience for free (including a free ecopy of my books if you make a request on my website.) I just want people to read my stories and perhaps get a small blessing out of it.
Stop by my website http://www.susanmcgeown.com and say hello.
Sue McGeown
“Quality Womens’ Fiction And Nonfiction With Heart and Soul”
Deena Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 2:34 pm
@susanmcgeown, and I can attest that they’re great stories!
Welcome, Sue!
susanmcgeown Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 9:51 am
@Deena, Thanks for the invite Deena. It’s good to be here!
I’m Amy my most recent book Another Way To Die is available on http://smashwords.com and http://lulu.com. I’m working on a new novel if anyone is interested in giving me feedback after I finish it I would be most welcome. But please, be gentle, I bruise like a banana.
On twitter @jimbutcher did a #wordathon. I was thinking we could do the same thing on here. This coming weekend from Friday at 12:01AM until Sunday at 11:59PM we write for at least 4 hours. I know we’re on the honor system so it will have to be set up to where you follow me and when you sit down to write you state your word count on your WIP and then when your time is up message me with your total. Maybe even Deena could find it in heart to chip in a grand prize
? Let me know folks.
Hi all!
I’m excited to see that the writterly chat is continuing here, even after the end of the official Coyote Con. I was honored to be a guest speaker at the con, and I love that people are keeping alive the community that developed there.
By way of brief introduction, I’m a clinical child psychologist, a professor of psychology, and an author of fantasy. My first novel, Shorn, book one of The Sky Seekers, was released by Mercury Retrograde Press. Book two of The Sky Seekers, Cael’s Shadow, is almost, almost ready to go to my editor. It is due on her desk by the end of August. (Yikes!)
@amyleigh, I really like your #wordathon idea. I can always use a little extra push to make certain I’m moving forward.
Cheers!
-larissa
http://www.LarissaNiec.com