tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-364647042009-06-28T16:22:25.285-06:00The blog of a scriptor dementis and his many musingsJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.comBlogger806125jrvogt/MYBKhttp://feedburner.google.comSubscribe with My Yahoo!Subscribe with NewsGatorSubscribe with My AOLSubscribe with BloglinesSubscribe with NetvibesSubscribe with GoogleSubscribe with Pageflakestag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-52299559373589021492009-06-26T13:38:00.002-06:002009-06-26T13:46:06.175-06:00Does the concept of nanotechnology boggle you a bit? Have you ever wanted it taught to you Sesame Street-style? Well, your wishes are now answered: You may now die happy and fulfilled with life. Right? I see that smile. &nbsp;Subscribe in a reader<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/XlDTSd3ldXk" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com3http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/06/sing-along-with-nanotechnology.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-33421331720327317492009-06-19T12:01:00.003-06:002009-06-19T12:04:05.061-06:00TorUK and SciFiNow.com are hosting a science fiction publishing contest for new writers who have a whole novel manuscript completed. The winner won't get an advance on their book (which is supposed to be published in 2010, if the editorial schedule allows) but if they get to the point of receiving...<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/QbT4Td1GcmE" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com0http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/06/sci-fi-publishing-contest.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-57706423377261403612009-06-15T12:49:00.002-06:002009-06-15T12:53:11.296-06:00Not quite sure where this came from, but it's amusing--at least to those of us who appreciate dinosaurs. And if you don't...what did dinosaurs ever do to you? I see that smile. &nbsp;Subscribe in a reader<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/yaTFNzr6W_w" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com1http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/06/breaking-up-with-dinosaur.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-13458780045221395582009-06-11T10:33:00.003-06:002009-06-11T10:37:56.396-06:00Ok. Major warning before anyone clicks through: There is some strong language and potentially offensive graphics in these videos (even though it is mostly stick-figurish in quality), so if you are cautious about what you expose yourself to, I'd suggest avoiding this post altogether. That said, if...<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/P5WQwAbsJnc" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com4http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/06/hysterical-video-game-reviews.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-87512609472224311152009-06-10T11:33:00.001-06:002009-06-10T11:35:43.386-06:00Literary Agent Nathan Bransford has posted a great list of items to check off when revising your manuscript. As people comment and suggest other notes as well, he's updating the list, so check back every now and then to see what's new. Here are a few I thought were the most helpful: - Look closely...<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/XnnUNxi4TeM" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com0http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/06/revision-checklist.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-47237626431400588062009-06-08T08:18:00.002-06:002009-06-08T08:20:34.254-06:00Yes, today is my birthday, so taking it as easy as possible. Is 26 still mid-20's, or technically late-20's? And if you're interested, check out my notice about a little contest being run by Underland Press, where the prize pack includes a hand grenade (defused!) and some other fun items. I see...<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/_PJKUneuZ8k" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com3http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/06/birthdays-and-hand-grenades.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-23116457437946567552009-06-05T10:30:00.003-06:002009-06-05T10:35:08.847-06:00So technically I've been hired by the same company twice. My new full-time job is for Examiner.com, as a Channel Assistant with Travel and Transportation. It involves processing writer applications and getting those who are accepted (called Examiners) set up on the site so they can start posting...<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/izOn0esGDaA" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com0http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/06/fun-news-im-in-two-places-at-once.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-6905172037176535532009-06-04T08:44:00.002-06:002009-06-04T08:48:08.322-06:00A master in the fantasy genre passed away today. David Eddings died at the age of 77. I've read enough of his works to know that I should read more, but for a true sense of his accomplishments and work, I'll point you to a couple of articles. One of the things I love most is that his wife, Leigh...<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/MHtX5cImAgU" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com0http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/06/david-eddings-1931-2009.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-16470479143223936322009-06-03T07:24:00.001-06:002009-06-03T08:51:09.382-06:00A video for you today (two, actually), touching on a topic that has always interested me, ever since I learned my dad once took a mail-order lock-picking course. He still even has the tools and has used them on rare occasions. Anyways, not only is it a fun topic, but this guy, Tobias, comes through...<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/gzATVjl7da0" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com2http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/06/disturbing-and-fascinating-world-of.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-88239207555769016252009-06-02T07:36:00.002-06:002009-06-02T08:39:19.785-06:00Edelman is preparing to release the third book in his Jump 225 trilogy, Geosynchron. He recently got permission to reveal the amazing cover art, plus the catalog copy for the book. Warning: If you haven't read Infoquake and Multireal, the copy will give away some spoilers. DAVID LOUIS EDELMAN’S...<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/rxnz1KtbqxI" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com1http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/06/cover-art-and-copy-for-david-louis.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-89394755543887924092009-06-01T10:09:00.003-06:002009-06-01T10:16:50.278-06:00Rollerblading for 15 miles, or 2.5 hours, whichever sounds more appealing. Thank goodness the new job doesn't have me on my feet all day. In writing news, Tor is holding a book giveaway contest. The books to be awarded to some lucky person are Brandon Sanderson's Warbreaker, and Robert Jordan's...<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/ttZacKtc4aw" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com0http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/06/recipe-for-sore-feet.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-77140406715500654692009-05-29T08:02:00.000-06:002009-05-29T10:15:32.996-06:00With most people now online, creating facebook pages, twittering, banking online, emailing a dozen times a day...we are, in essence, building virtual lives. We have virtual conversations, store virtual money, buy virtual products, etc. So, if you died today or tomorrow (here's to hoping you don't),...<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/gn__ZG9H3OM" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com3http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/05/cyberspace-afterlife.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-49858034625128100302009-05-28T07:26:00.002-06:002009-05-28T07:31:32.632-06:00My new job begins today, and getting ready for it has been a clear reminder that I'm not a morning person. Ah well. At least I can take the light rail and read/write there and back. I'm thankful I got used to public transportation in NYC. If I had to battle the rush hour around here every day, I'd...<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/dEzx5l-Ft50" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com2http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/05/how-easily-i-forget.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-61581598587883275712009-05-26T07:29:00.001-06:002009-05-26T07:29:00.686-06:00This link is to an article of advice on many aspects of getting published in the sci-fi genre. It comes from a WisCon panel made up of author Eileen Gunn, Tor Books senior editor James Frenkel, agent Shana Cohen, and author Jack McDevitt. These are some heavyweights in the industry, so I think they...<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/tk8CAjuuwqE" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com0http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/05/advice-for-sci-fi-publishing.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-33029031734984699932009-05-25T09:09:00.000-06:002009-05-25T17:31:37.058-06:00If this becomes a reality, I will gladly shell out for it. If anyone has read George R.R. Martin's A Song of Fire and Ice series, then you will understand how much of an undertaking will be required to make this video game. There are so many characters, factions, storylines and locales in this...<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/EefGO4IhOW8" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com2http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/05/song-of-ice-and-fire-at-your-fingertips.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-30093616730539156042009-05-22T08:31:00.002-06:002009-05-22T08:33:54.732-06:00After wrangling with my computer for most of yesterday, I'm not wanting to stare at the screen any longer than I need to today. So let me do the infamous "Look thataway" post and present you with a Royalties seminar, composed by the Editorial Ass. (Check it out. You even get a reward for...<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/yKr0HTaLO0U" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com0http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/05/not-hereover-there.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-31015007343286859962009-05-21T14:40:00.002-06:002009-05-21T14:57:39.706-06:00Or so I hope. Otherwise, next time, instead of formatting the hard drive, reinstalling Windows and all of the applications and drivers, restoring my backed up documents and pictures...I'll just dump it into a bucket of holy water and listen to the beautiful screams. Computer, you have been...<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/z89WLT3cJiw" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com2http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/05/this-computer-doth-be-wiped-clean-of.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-43692784528578217962009-05-19T08:43:00.001-06:002009-05-19T08:43:00.558-06:00I see that smile. &nbsp;Subscribe in a reader<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/2s82s7v62UU" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com2http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/05/oh-yes.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-31435983393958491432009-05-18T08:10:00.000-06:002009-05-18T17:31:02.730-06:00Brandon Sanderson reveals the cover art for The Gathering Storm, and gives his thoughts on it as well. Now what do you think? I see that smile. &nbsp;Subscribe in a reader<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/RqOHh9puytY" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com0http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/05/cover-art-for-next-wheel-of-time-book.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-57833122812627446532009-05-14T10:00:00.000-06:002009-05-14T10:00:01.060-06:00A great little clip from The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, where Tom Hanks explains why antimatter isn't as dangerous as most science fiction stories make it out to be. It's about 4:40 in. The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10cTom Hanksthedailyshow.comDaily Show Full EpisodesEconomic...<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/gyXYJOJ-cJw" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com0http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/05/truth-about-antimatter.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-66340018225041885782009-05-13T10:02:00.001-06:002009-05-13T10:02:00.661-06:00This article cites a lot of examples on how the "geek" culture is now chic. Science fiction shows such as Chuck are incredibly popular. The latest Star Trek movie has been receiving raves from fans and non-fans alike. And there are many more examples of how being a geek is now a cool thing, rather...<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/AIwaZUre1I4" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com2http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/05/are-we-chic.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-30339395882585471462009-05-11T09:12:00.000-06:002009-05-11T09:12:00.420-06:00Remember that video I posted a few days back about the real life "superheroes"? Well, did anyone guess how long it would take before some real life villains stepped up to oppose them? Turns out...not long at all. With a craigslist ad, this evil-doer has put out a bounty on one of the heroes'...<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/xAf0EarQZFE" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com0http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/05/it-was-only-matter-of-time.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-44000998200312098592009-05-06T08:09:00.000-06:002009-05-06T08:09:00.487-06:00I am so not here today. For distraction purposes, watch this movie trailer for District 9, a fascinating look at human-alien relations. I see that smile. &nbsp;Subscribe in a reader<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/4CUJTru7rnQ" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com1http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/05/wedding-anniversary.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-66650988557060725052009-05-04T09:03:00.000-06:002009-05-04T09:19:25.254-06:00Most post today is a "look-thataway" notice. It's every author's dream to get on the NYT's bestseller list, right? That's when we start selling a gazillion copies, get on talk shows and make it big. We become rich and famous and never have another care in the world.  Or is there something more...<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/ngPhUeTVojA" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com0http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/05/bestselling-authors-royalty-check.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36464704.post-61789671899927392782009-05-01T08:56:00.001-06:002009-05-01T10:43:50.881-06:00Fun news to pass on. My short story, Don't Read Them After Midnight, was published in the '08 horror anthology, Bound For Evil (from Dead Letter Press). The editor of Bound For Evil, Tom English, recently sent out word that the collection has been nominated for a Shirley Jackson Award for Best...<br/> <br/> Visit the site for more content, links, and resources!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/jrvogt/MYBK/~4/GNKOHiXSqbY" height="1" width="1"/>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501549592361240370noreply@blogger.com2http://www.jrvogt.com/blog/2009/05/anthology-nominated.html