Darkside

April 25, 2007

Some of you may know that I regularly write fiction. At one time, I wrote a lot more of it than I do now. Somewhere during that time, I joined a writer's group and we all sent critiques back and forth. There were around 8 of us. Most of us have since been published and now have major book deals.

I don't, and neither does Steve. At least in his case, that's a tragedy that shows how unfair life is. He's submitted to a few agents and no one seems ready to publish his book, so he's giving it away for free on the Internet.

If you like good fiction along the lines of something Jim Butcher might write, you need to read his book. We were all working on our craft while Jim Butcher was passing along pointers and working on his book deal, so I swear this isn't my writing buddy just copying Jim. Some people just like urban fantasy. If you're one such individual, follow this link:

http://www3.sympatico.ca/sks_perry/DarksideHome.html

I should warn you that the book does contain violence and some profanity. It's also thoroughly entertaining, though perhaps not as readable online as it would be if someone had published it and provided you with a handy paperback. Either way, it's worth reading and you should take advantage of the opportunity ASAP. I've read it and love it, and so will you. Probably.

One final warning: it's written by a Canadian. He's a reasonably funny guy, so you probably shouldn't read the book if you hate Canadians or you don't like laughing in between killer action sequences. Anyway, that's my recommendation. And if you do give it a read, feel free to post here and let me know what you think.

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carcinogen_crush - April 25, 2007 (06:33 PM)
I had no idea you were so dedicated to fiction; that's awesome.

Seeing as I haven't read a book in a long while, I'll probably get to readin this sometime soon. As long as it isn't boring, the last couple stories I've attempted to read just haven't been able to catch with me.

So, if you don't mind, how does trying to find an agent work out? What the hell do you do?

Seems like it'd have a simple enough answer, but it still eludes me.

honestgamer - April 25, 2007 (06:52 PM)
I used to write on the Del Rey Online Writing Workshop, back when it was new. I was one of its most active members right from the start. I love sci-fi and fantasy. I even won 'runner-up' one month (as determined by the editors at Del Rey Books) for the first chapter of one of my novels, "The Touch."

Then I wrote a novel called "Defiant Light" and after a few publishers considered it but ultimately moved away from fiction--I think I scared them--into non-fiction publishing, I got tired of waiting for a 'real' book deal and went through Xlibris. The book is available on Amazon.com for way too much money. It's print-on-demand.

As far as finding agents, I've almost had real book deals twice now without the aid of an agent at all. I'm afraid I don't have one. But if you want one, I understand the process is to query them as you might have queried a publisher back in the 50s. Agents are becoming selective, too. Most people who get a good agent these days do it because a friend of a friend knew a friend of the agent. Some publishers offer regular talent contests, and that's one great way to be discovered.

Anyway, Steve's book certainly isn't boring. Or at least, it wasn't to me. It has an engaging protagonist and plenty of action and witty dialogue, so it's hard to put down.

carcinogen_crush - April 25, 2007 (07:06 PM)
Already into the second chapter, and so far it's unfolding nicely.

So you almost got book deals without an agent? I didn't think that publishers accepted any material otherwise.

Your book's for sale through print on demand? That seems neat. How many copies you sold? That makes me want to buy it, being into the sci-fi genre, too.

honestgamer - April 25, 2007 (08:19 PM)
They were smaller, independent publishers. You can find those if you look hard enough. Try the Writer's Market books from Writer's Digest. They list pretty much everybody.

My print-on-demand book is something like $22. I enjoy it and I read it again recently, but it's hard to justify when a mass market paperback is only $8, you know?

carcinogen_crush - April 25, 2007 (09:35 PM)
Hey, I'll have to try those.

I plan on being done with mine by Summer sometime, July hopefully.

Well, I suppose you have a point. But if the idea's fresh enough, what could a little extra hurt?

I was reading the summary on Amazon, and thought it was awesome to see that you're from Oregon. I was born in San Jose, but been here in Tigard from just a few months old.

espnking2002 - August 12, 2007 (07:08 PM)
I was gonna give it a skim until you said he was Canadian.

Teshon44 - August 23, 2007 (11:17 AM)
Hey dude, i was wondering if i cud borrow some of ur hg points?

Feedback
	carcinogen_crush - April 25, 2007 (06:33 PM) I had no idea you were so dedicated to fiction; that's awesome. Seeing as I haven't read a book in a long while, I'll probably get to readin this sometime soon. As long as it isn't boring, the last couple stories I've attempted to read just haven't been able to catch with me. So, if you don't mind, how does trying to find an agent work out? What the hell do you do? Seems like it'd have a simple enough answer, but it still eludes me.
	honestgamer - April 25, 2007 (06:52 PM) I used to write on the Del Rey Online Writing Workshop, back when it was new. I was one of its most active members right from the start. I love sci-fi and fantasy. I even won 'runner-up' one month (as determined by the editors at Del Rey Books) for the first chapter of one of my novels, "The Touch." Then I wrote a novel called "Defiant Light" and after a few publishers considered it but ultimately moved away from fiction--I think I scared them--into non-fiction publishing, I got tired of waiting for a 'real' book deal and went through Xlibris. The book is available on Amazon.com for way too much money. It's print-on-demand. As far as finding agents, I've almost had real book deals twice now without the aid of an agent at all. I'm afraid I don't have one. But if you want one, I understand the process is to query them as you might have queried a publisher back in the 50s. Agents are becoming selective, too. Most people who get a good agent these days do it because a friend of a friend knew a friend of the agent. Some publishers offer regular talent contests, and that's one great way to be discovered. Anyway, Steve's book certainly isn't boring. Or at least, it wasn't to me. It has an engaging protagonist and plenty of action and witty dialogue, so it's hard to put down.
	carcinogen_crush - April 25, 2007 (07:06 PM) Already into the second chapter, and so far it's unfolding nicely. So you almost got book deals without an agent? I didn't think that publishers accepted any material otherwise. Your book's for sale through print on demand? That seems neat. How many copies you sold? That makes me want to buy it, being into the sci-fi genre, too.
	honestgamer - April 25, 2007 (08:19 PM) They were smaller, independent publishers. You can find those if you look hard enough. Try the Writer's Market books from Writer's Digest. They list pretty much everybody. My print-on-demand book is something like $22. I enjoy it and I read it again recently, but it's hard to justify when a mass market paperback is only $8, you know?
	carcinogen_crush - April 25, 2007 (09:35 PM) Hey, I'll have to try those. I plan on being done with mine by Summer sometime, July hopefully. Well, I suppose you have a point. But if the idea's fresh enough, what could a little extra hurt? I was reading the summary on Amazon, and thought it was awesome to see that you're from Oregon. I was born in San Jose, but been here in Tigard from just a few months old.
	espnking2002 - August 12, 2007 (07:08 PM) I was gonna give it a skim until you said he was Canadian.
	Teshon44 - August 23, 2007 (11:17 AM) Hey dude, i was wondering if i cud borrow some of ur hg points?

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