JDC - Writer

A Conversation with Paul Brazill

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:17:00 +0000

Check out this great interview with the amazing Paul D. Brazill!

JDC

Newsletter sign up

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:59:00 +0000

Well, I've setup a newsletter list I would love for everyone of you to join. Why you ask? I do want to keep you little scarywords kids informed, but also rewarded. The newsletter will also include 500 word flash fiction pieces of either a horror or crime slant.

Free fiction to fill your tummy? How much better does it get?

Please sign up now! Use the QR below of look to the sidebar.

Thanks,
JDC

Villains

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 20:40:00 +0000

I know everyone talks about how fun it is to write villains, but why? The villain should be a reflection of the hero. A dark reflection, but a reflection of some element of the protagonist. Also, a villain really should never be the villain in his own head. The most interesting villains to me are the ones who think they are the heroes of their stories.
What do you think?
JDC

Typos are easy when typing posts on your phone!

2011 Best Horror Short Story Nomination

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:52:00 +0000

I'm falling in the rankings for the Preditors & Editors Annual 2011 Best Horror Short Story.! I'm 9!

Please vote for "Silver Tears" here.

I really appreciate the help!

JDC

Method

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 03:36:00 +0000

I use many tools in creating my stories, but this one is my favorite.

Moleskins are very important to my process and I plan on digging into that this week in other posts. I'm a lunatic when it comes to legal tablets or notebooks. I simply cannot write in them if they have gnarled edges, torn leavings at the top, or visible indentations from other writing. I just can not use them and would rather throw away the tablet.
It's a thing.
I need pristine rivers of white to scribble my wandering thoughts on.
I also can't write with cheap Bics or those pens that come a thousand to a bag. I have several pens I use and I am always on the lookout for more. I love the smooth and uninterrupted flow of ink on paper.
Now I sound like a method actor - a method writer. I just love the process of writing almost as much as writing. I get caught up in it like nothing else.

JDC

New Short Horror Film - PRIMORDIAL

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 01:50:00 +0000

I'm working on ideas for my new short film PRIMORDIAL: Existing in or persisting from the beginning.

I want something really scary, one person perspective, and lots of CGI effects. I think I've settled on my idea, but I'm not certain yet how to close the loop on it. Gotta sleep on it.

JDC

The Kevin Rant

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 04:18:00 +0000

I’ve never met Kevin Smith and he won’t know me from Adam. However, I am going to comment on his choice to retire at age 40.

First off, he owes me nothing outside of utilizing the best of his abilities when he offers a product to me. The agreement we have is that I expect a top notch film or comic when I see his name attached. I’m not geek enough to feel he owes me as a fan to keep producing films because I demand it. There is no debt because I’ve been a long and loyal fan.

I do feel sad that Kevin is leaving the stage before he has realized his greater potential. The critics have savaged him over the years and he has always tried to beat them to the punch by savaging himself. How many directors have picketed their films like Smith did with Dogma?

I don’t want to see him tackle big budget or superhero films; those don’t play to his strengths. I would like to see him explore more relationship films with the humor and insight demonstrated by films such as Clerks or Chasing Amy. Listening to his college circuit tours shows the thoughtfulness and rawness he brings to the table. There are still character films for him to explore and give us his unique perspective on.

I hope this retirement turns into a hiatus when Kevin finds his batteries recharged. I hope that we’re lucky enough to get a few more glimpses into his askew point of view.

JDC

Procrastination

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 01:01:00 +0000

I'm embarrassed at how many unfinished books and stories are sitting on my computer. I also have a number of finished screenplays waiting to be converted to books. I have a library of material that I have been sitting on. What an ass.

What projects have you guys been avoiding?

Amazon Writer Page

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 02:48:00 +0000

John Donald Carlucci Amazon Writer Page

Click above to visit my page on Amazon with my current available stuff! Help a guy out.

JDC

Clarity of Night short fiction "Honor Amongst Thieves"

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 02:00:00 +0000

My Clarity of Night short fiction (250 words) entry past the first hurdle and was accepted. Your story had to score at least 40 out of 45 points (the Forties Club as it's called) to be accepted into the contest.

Here is "Honor Amongst Thieves" if you care to read it.

I've always wanted to play a bit with muling, but not drugs. Drugs always seemed so dirty and common. Muling diamonds has that noir feeling to me where you can almost justify it. It almost feels like "sticking it to the man" when you sneak out diamonds passed customs and the mining companies.

It isn't the "man" who gets stuck this time.

JDC

Research

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:59:00 +0000

I can't tell you how much I enjoy the Spike tv show Deadliest Warrior. A show that pair two warrior types in person combat is an excellent research tool. The show details each warrior's weapons, tactics, and skills to great effect.
For instance, the Al Capone episode would be a great resource if you want to add realistic detail to your crime noir story.
Check it out and don't write it off as boyish "what if vikings fought samuria" fantasy, though they did do a viking vs. samuria episode - squeal!
JDC

Clarity of Night contest "Uncovered"

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:21:00 +0000

Here is a snippet of the email from Jason Evans...

************************************************************

The time is fast approaching for the biggest Clarity of Night contest ever! Author Stephen Parrish is co-hosting in honor of his newly released novel, THE TAVERNIER STONES (http://www.amazon.com/Tavernier-Stones-Novel-Stephen-Parrish/dp/0738720569/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278355963&sr=8-1). It's a thriller which opens with the discovery of a corpse clutching what is believed to be one of the lost Tavernier Stones--huge gems of legendary worth and beauty.

And now, you're about to discover your own treasure in the Clarity of Night "Uncovered" Short Fiction Contest! The prizes are legendary. $290 in prize money will be awarded (Amazon gift certificates), including $100 for 1st Place, $50 for 2nd Place, and $35 for 3rd Place. You can taste it, I know. For now, I'm giving you an early glimpse of the photo prompt to get the juices flowing. What jewel of a story can you create? As always, you will have 250 words to prove yourself and claim your booty.

The contest will open on Monday, July 19th. Look for more announcements as the time nears.
http://clarityofnight.blogspot.com/

***********************************************************

My story "Honor Amongst Thieves" is already done. Get to work on your story!

JDC

Progress so far

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:06:00 +0000

I know, its been a while since I've posted here. I've been so busy elsewhere and I apologize.

Here is a bit of an update on what has distracted me.

I'm still posting episodes of my horror webserial "Fierce Cravings." We're up to episode six now and it has been a lot of fun.

I opened a new Etsy shop Epicurean Designs to market my more happy and less dark assemblage pieces. Things like Foodery necklaces and such. There is also a website for it and a FanPage on Facebook.

I started a new comic strip called "BrainZ." It's about zombies, cannibalism, and how funny I find both. There is a website, a FanPage, and more coming. This strip launches on August 2 and will be updated on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays. I plan to relaunch "Grover's Mills" again someday soon. I really love that strip.

I've started a tee shirt company to handle the various designs from my other projects. This company, "Atomic Boy Industries," is still under development.

There is still Darke Curiousity Emporium going for my assemblage work and other "darker" pieces. This is the website and the Fanpage.

I still have Darke Media going as the umbrella company to oversee all.

I'm also being published on "Powder Burn Flash" later this month.

There is tons more stuff in the pipe...I just find it hard to find the damn time.

JDC

This is how I sometimes feel when writing.

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Fri, 07 May 2010 05:25:00 +0000

Yeah, I've been gone for a while now.

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Fri, 07 May 2010 04:04:00 +0000

Lots and lots of work done, but I keep forgetting to post.

I promise to have some news in the next day or so.

Really.

JDC

TV scripts

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:30:00 +0000

Printing out my spec TV spec scripts to review. I'm thing very seriously about posting them to the website in PDF format.

Supernatural: Ragnarok

The Office: There is no I in team

My Name is Earl: Girls are made of...

Research trap

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:16:00 +0000

My name is John Donald Carlucci and I'm an avid research nut.

Geez, I love finding nuggets of information and storing them away for rainy days. My digital notebooks are full of story ideas and I fear I am an electronic hoarder. My computer is stacked high with rotting newspapers and old milk cartons.

I'm trying to avoid doing so much research any more because it becomes a form of procrastination. Much like reading book after book on screenwriting/novel work, these are the dark and twisting paths we use to avoid putting words on the white horizon. Blog posts, RSS feeds, video games all lead to that wolf hiding behind a tree looking to devour us. I use them all at times. I used them a great deal the last two weeks.

I was not feeling well at all this month. Severe detox, cold, the loss of AAM, and the general weariness that hits us all from beating our heads against the rejection wall. AAM hit me particularly hard and I wasn't expecting that.

Managing your time is the hardest, but most important ability to master. A slow and steady start is getting back into script form.

JDC

One of my favorite songs

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:18:00 +0000

Sometimes it needs to be said

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:17:00 +0000

I've been thinking...

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:57:00 +0000

Doing a lot of stewing while I've been laid up.

I've been an artist all of my life and I've enjoyed it immensely. I've worked on lots of projects in various areas of creativity, but I'm tired. So many things and it never feels like I go anywhere.

I love creating sculptures and assemblages with my hands. I am thrilled that people have displayed and worn my art. It is a privilege to know my jewelry hangs around the necks of some very beautiful women. However...

I'm am putting it all away for now. I have tried going in so many different directions at once that I don't believe it serves any good. I am far too distracted with too much going on.

I guess this means no more art for now. No more short stories and magazines. No more distractions like Six Sentences and other bloggy stuff.

I am focusing on the scripts and my books for the foreseeable future. I'm not stopping the films, but most of the rest has been sidelined.

JDC

Dark Valentine is now looking for submissions

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:45:00 +0000

The women behind the new Dark Valentine magazine (Joanne, Katherine, Joy) have now opened heir doors to submissions.

Please take a look and consider this market. I've worked with these ladies and they are some of the most earnest folks when it comes to magazines, writers, and artists.

JDC

Here is my 37 pound lighter face

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:21:00 +0000

My GF says my head isn't fat anymore - thanks hon. I only have another 30 to go. Love having fat pants that don't fit anymore.

We're moving back to Florida. Two years in a snowy-backwoods-eat human flesh for lunch small town in Wisconsin is FUCKING KILLING ME. Manitowoc has made Saint Petersburg look fun again. The GF is shutting her organic pastry business down because she LOVES Florida. Surprised me.

I was hoping to convince her to move to Chicago or Los Angeles, but she wants to try Florida for a bit (the she would be open for Los Angeles). I have a GF who does yoga, is a hawt organic pastry chef, and love whoopee - I'm not arguing. She makes me cheesecake.

Hell, my depressing last few posts have been bandaged and salved by the most brilliant post from this Matt Wallace. Read "After a knockdown your career must answer a 10-count or..." to hear some truth or bullshit - you decide.

Am I disappearing? No, I just needed to wallow in shit for a bit. I will be refocusing a lot. I'm going to continue the films like "Fierce Cravings" because I love it so much. I won't do anymore short stories. Well, at least online. I have scripts and books that need attention. I've already written the first two chapters and outline for "Project Epiphany." Been working with that title for two years, but Neil Gaiman has it now. Shit. I've also broken the entire script in my head for "RenFair Zombies."

When life hands you lemons, make sure it doesn't try to shove them up your ass.

Be Seeing You

JDC

My last post generated so much controversy

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:31:00 +0000

Well, not so much.

Pretty much I feel like I'm talking to an empty room.

Astonishing Adventures Magazine will close its doors for good thanks to a case of creative ennui. No one is interested.

Not quite true, the very talented Cormac Brown is still here. Wish I could do better by you.

I'm feeling this lovely little feeling a lot lately. I'm tired of distributing creativeness for free. I really thought these business models made sense. They have been dissected by some very talented people (who have not practiced them - I overlooked this fact) and preached by many (who also did not practice what they preached on any appreciable scale).

Well, I'm throwing in the towel. I'm not doing any more flash fictions, no more 6 Sentences, and no more online free magazines. We deserve to get paid for what we create. I hoped AAM would get to that point, but it never did. My free film project has almost 1400 subscribers (update: 1653), but I can only persuade 2 to leave comments.

I'm tired of killing myself and not making the smallest of footsteps ahead. J.C. Hutchins just tossed in his towel after his herculean efforts to promote his books. I can't blame him and he had help from BoingBoing (something so impossible - unless you play the fucking cigar banjo).

I'm frustrate, tired, and bored with the Internet. Meh, maybe I just need to shutter all of these outlets.

Where r the shows?

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 02:00:00 +0000

Well, I'm a bit cranky and feel like bitching on the soapbox.

I follow a lot of people who talk a great deal about the new market of the Internet. Entertainment distribution and ebook models. However, I never see any of them actual practice what they preach. Where are all of the movies made for the Internet and distributed for free (later released on DVD to earn a profits)?

This guy G. Wells Taylor puts his money where his mouth is when it comes to his writing. I have two books and I'm enjoying his unique vision.

I have "The-Corpse: Harbinger" on my eReader now and it is as twisted a concept as any Lovecraft I've ever read.

This guy has a lot to teach me.

Gregg Taylor of the Decoder Ring Theater is another guys putting himself out in the world. Not only does he produced numerous radio pulps shows for free, but he has now expanded into publishing.

Jack Bible is another guy putting out quality product for free. His "Dead Mech" turns the zombie concept on its head. Check it out!

There are others out there trying to crack the walls and get their stories told.

I'm pissed because we need more Joss Whedons to produce more webserials. We need more attention brought to legitimize what we're doing.

I can't get "Fierce Cravings" into IMDB because they consider it "too local" and won't be listed. This means that sites like Rotten Tomatoes won't review it because it isn't legit. How do you generate PR when no one will pay attention?

I have a huge amount of subscribers, but no one comments (except a couple really big fans). How do you generate buzz?

We put out Astonishing Adventures Magazine, but have always been in the red. We still can't pay one thin dime to any of the creators. The magazines have been full of rich material, but no one pays attention.

I hear stories of people who did well by following the models that we're using. I'm not starting to consider those few to be the "Robert Rodriguez" effect.

Robert Rodriguez and Kevin Smith made it big doing no-budget films. This energize many of us to make films in the hope of generating careers (no even daring to hope for their stardom). No one I know even came close. I'm starting to consider this to be similar to lottery winners. Some always hits it big, but there are still thousands and thousands of slobs like me who don't.

This isn't a cry for help or woe is me. I'm just a bit tired with the fruitlessness of this stuff. The feeling of charging windmills is VERY strong.

JDC

Fierce Cravings - Episode 3: Hindsight

noreply@blogger.com (John Donald Carlucci) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 04:26:00 +0000

Okay, FC3 is now available on iTunes and YouTube!

Please watch, subscribe (free!), and leave comments.

JDC