Synaptic Jam by James Keeling

Just an update…

jkeeling — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 19:09:51 +0000

Yes, I’m still alive. Still editing finished manuscripts, still working on new stuff, went to balticon (AWESOME!), still working and being a hubbie and a daddy. The list goes on and on. I’m still here and hope to get something out to you soon. Thank you for your patience. If you need something to listen to while I’m gone, just hit http://www.podiobooks.com. Okay, more later.

James

Please Help A Friend Fund His Project

jkeeling — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:47:29 +0000

Please read: (and then share)

Hey everyone out there! Someone needs your help. Have you ever helped fund a Chip-In or Kickstarter Campaign? It doesn’t take much to kick back just a little bit to help. There’s another site that does the same thing. It’s called indiegogo. It’s specifically geared towards indie’s.

Here’s a concept for you.

One person can’t do everything, but together we can accomplish anything.

My friend John is trying to fund a project he’s got. I’d like to see him succeed.
Why? Because he’s my friend, and we all want to see our friends succeed. Also because, if he can succeed, maybe we can too. That’s something to think about.

No one is asking you to break the piggy bank or give your first child here, just a little somethin’ somethin’. Help is just that, help.

Please spread this out as far as you can. Share it on your feed, add a comment requesting that your friends please share it with their friends. Spread this as far as you possibly can. Even if you can’t help by contributing, share this post so maybe someone who can help will see it. We’ve all seen and heard of things like this spreading like wildfire. How many really get to be there at the beginning.

I may not be one of the big movers and shakers our there, I’m just a little guy. Probably a lot like you. So what if I’m not a rock star. I’m not even a mid-sized stone. Maybe I’m just a pebble. But if I’m a pebble, I’m dropping myself in the water now. I’m sending out a ripple. It’s not a tidal wave, heck, it’s not even big enough to be called a wave.

But it’s a ripple. Hopefully, you’ll help me share this and maybe, just maybe, together, we can help John succeed. Cause the way I look it, if he succeeds, then I succeed. We all succeed. I know it sounds weird, but think about it. We will have affected a positive change in someone’s life. And when you really strip away all the garbage in the world today, and you break it all down. That’s all we really have.

So help me out. Please. I’m not too proud to beg, even if it’s not for myself. Especially if it’s not for myself. Share this, add a comment, go out to indiegogo and help. Most importantly, spread the word.

Thank you.

James

http://www.indiegogo.com/Enemy-Lines-corrupt-corporations-secret-organizations-alien-benefactors-1

RSS FEED Problem – Hopefully fixed!

jkeeling — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:36:43 +0000

Thanks to those of you out there who brought forth a glaring issue with my RSS Feed. It appears that the feed was only extending back to episode 15.

10 Posts Back!

The fix for this little issue appears to be in the Settings Reading area of WordPress. Bump that puppy up and let’s see what happens.

As an aside, I’m trying to use the ping feedburner tool from feedburner.com to refresh the feed, but it doesn’t appear to be working. Odd that…

Oh well, back to the real world for a bit. Got to make that living, got to feed the kids (if only occasionally), and got to be getting on with the needful.

Thanks for being out there everyone!

James

Episode #21 of Compensating Controls!

jkeeling — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 18:24:23 +0000

Episode #21 of Compensating Controls – The Final Episode!

A FREE PODCAST NOVEL! Subscribe now.

The time has come for the last episode of Compensating Controls! This is it kiddies. What happens? Well, everyone dies. Now go home. Just kidding. Something has to happen. Listen to find out what. Stay tuned after the story for special announcements. As an addendum, please stay subscribed to this feed as it will host a continuing ongoing concern. More information about that in the announcements after the story.

Bumper for this episode by Scott Sigler – Thanks FDO for being that shining beacon. hehehe (you may chuckle if you get that one)

This is where I beg you for feedback….

The existence of a Q&A Session is entirely up to you the listener. Please send me your Q’s. If I receive Q’s, I will provide A’s… So send them on in. jkeeling@jameskeeling.com

If you enjoyed this novel and gained any enjoyment from it, please consider donating. A lot of effort goes into a production such as this. The donate button is on my website (right side, it says “Donate” as as The Hairy Mango says, that’s not italian for Dough-nat-eh”

You can also help me out by purchasing a copy of the novel from the Kindle Store for the low price of $3.99.

The Kindle version of the book is available from the Kindle Store Here.

If you would simply want the ePub version of the novel, please feel free to caress the donate button on the right and shoot me some goodness. I’ll send a copy of the ePub right along.

That’s it… The feed will go on with the “XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX” so please stay subscribed.

If you have a promo you would like me to play, please let me know. Only caveat is that I’ll need a bumper recorded as well.

Feel free to send me voice messages in audio format for inclusion in the podcast or email. I’d be happy to put them in the feed.

As usual, if you have any comments or questions, please feel free to email me at jkeeling @ jameskeeling.com or follow me on twitter @SynapticJam or visit the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/synapticjam or on Google+ at James Keeling

Make sure that you’ve already listened to the previous episodes prior to listening to this one. Click on the RSS feed button to the right to subscribe with your favorite podcatcher.

That’s it from me… So for now, This is James Keeling of Synaptic Jam Productions, wishing you fair skies and a crimson sunset.

Back from Website Hiatus! (Unintentional of course)

jkeeling — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:14:24 +0000

Recently, I was beset upon by that most onerous of beasts the technical difficulty with my hosting service. This malady of geekdom evidenced itself by knocking my web page off of the interwebs for a period of about a week. Naturally, the damage did not end there but instead encroached upon that other most sacred of spheres – email. Naturally, I’ve already found about a couple of very important emails that I’ve missed. Amazing how that works…

But it’s back up now. Web and email.

Thanks everyone for being patient with me as I navigate these troublesome waters.

James

Waka waka bang splat tick tick hash,

jkeeling — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:35:44 +0000

Waka Waka Bang Splat!

The World’s First Internet Special-Characters Poem

The following poem appeared in the May/June 1990 issue of Infocus magazine and has since been floating around the Internet. The original authors were Fred Bremmer and Steve Kroese of Calvin College & Seminary of Grand Rapids, Michigan. A poll conducted among Infocus readers had established “waka” as the proper pronunciation for the angle-bracket characters < and >, though some readers held out resolutely for “norkies.” < > ! * ' ' # ^ " ` $ $ - ! * = @ $ _ % * < > ~ # 4 & [ ] . . / \| { , , SYSTEM HALTED The poem can only be appreciated by reading it aloud, to wit: `< > ! * ' ' #` Waka waka bang splat tick tick hash, ^ " ` $ $ - Caret quote back-tick dollar dollar dash, `! * = @ $ _` Bang splat equal at dollar under-score, `% * < > ~ # 4` Percent splat waka waka tilde number four, `& [ ] . . /` Ampersand bracket bracket dot dot slash, `\| { , ,` SYSTEM HALTED Vertical-bar curly-bracket comma comma CRASH.

Episode #20 of Compensating Controls!

jkeeling — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 03:46:48 +0000

Episode #20 of Compensating Controls!

A FREE PODCAST NOVEL! Subscribe now.

The time has come for your weekly episode of Compensating Controls! In this episode, final preparations are made and all the pieces are moving. What will happen. One episode left after this one people!

Bumper and promo for this episode by K Gainor and his Podcast Novel Paladin Corps available at http://kgainor.squarespace.com.

Additional juicy content on this episode consists of a number of questions… Here they are again:

What did you think of the straight read? Would it have been better if I’d had a few characters? I currently lack the chops for a full audio drama, so that’s not in the cards for the near future.
Did you have any favorite characters? Make you a deal, you tell me yours, and I’ll tell you mine.
I wanted to incorporate realistic technology in this novel. One of my concerns was that some of it may only speak to the geeks out there. Was it a distraction for the rest of you? Would you rather have had me doing outlandish impossible things with technology instead? Don’t hate me cause I’m a geek.
Now for a difficult one… My own feed versus Podiobooks. I really enjoy having my own feed with all this hopefully interesting chatter. I hope you’ve come to enjoy it too. It brings a coversational component to the process that for me personally, adds to the story. While I have quite a few listeners to my feed, I have many more on the podiobooks feed. My concern is that the listeners over there are missing out and less likely to go to me feed. Any ideas out there on the best way? I’ve got a couple of thoughts, but wanted to give you a chance to chime in first.

There are a few who are aware of it, but I actually already have this novel available on the Kindle Store for the low price of $3.99. I haven’t advertised the fact yet because honestly, I didn’t think it was fair. I didn’t want to ask you for money before I could prove to you that not only wouldn’t I pod-fade, but that I’d have a product worth having. Since you’re still listening to it, I’d like to think that I’ve fulfilled my obligations in that arena. The story was a lot of fun to write and I hope you’ve enjoyed it so far…

The Kindle version of the book is available from the Kindle Store Here.

If you would simply want the ePub version of the novel, please feel free to caress the donate button on the right and shoot me some goodness. I’ll send a copy of the ePub right along.

If you’re happy where you are and just want to send along a thanks with feeling, the donation button is there for that purpose as well. It’s been a long road getting the novel out this far.

That’s really all I got right now. The needful needs doing so I must run. Take care everyone.

If you have a promo you would like me to play, please let me know. Only caveat is that I’ll need a bumper recorded as well.

Feel free to send me voice messages in audio format for inclusion in the podcast or email. I’d be happy to put them in the feed.

Make sure that you’ve already listened to the previous episodes prior to listening to this one. Click on the RSS feed button to the right to subscribe with your favorite podcatcher.

Veteran’s Day! America is your Chow hall!

jkeeling — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:04:41 +0000

As a vet, I want to express to everyone out there what an honor it is to serve your country. It’s an even greater honor to be appreciated for it.

Here is a short list of establishments that give you special breaks (free food) on Veteran’s day. Please become patrons of these organizations as they are doing something good for those who have served.

Some restaurants may require evidence of service such as a military ID, Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion, VFW, etc.), a photo of yourself in uniform, or just wear your uniform.

Abuelo’s Mexican Food - Abuelo’s offerings vary by region, be sure to call ahead to see what the discounts or freebies are included.

Applebee’s - All veterans and active duty military eat free from a limited menu on Veterans Day.
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurants – Special offers for vets on Veterans Day.

Chili’s - Veterans and active duty dine for free from a special limited six item menu on Veterans Day.

Denny’s – Friday, 11 November 2011. Selected Denny’s locations are offering a free Grand Slam Breakfast to all veterans.

Famous Daves – This BBQ restaurant offers different deals at different locations. You can see if your location is participating and call them for more details.

Golden Corral - Golden Corral Restaurants’ Military Appreciation – Monday free dinner will be available on November 15, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves are all welcome. While the meal offered at the Golden Corral restaurants is free, they have partnered again with Disabled Veterans of America (DAV). Visit the DAV information table and offer a generous donation which goes to assist veterans in our community.http://www.dav.org/

Hooters - All Veterans and active duty eat free. The free entrees must be selected from a special Veterans Day menu, or get 10 free wings with purchase of a drink – offer varies by location. Valid at participating locations only; for a list of locations and more info, see the Hooter’s website:http://www.hootersveteransday.com/register.aspx

Krispy Kreme - All active-duty, retirees & veterans get a free doughnut on Veterans Day. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is participating.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants – Participating restaurants offer a complimentary entree to vets from a special menu on a space available basis, online reservations are highly recommended.

Olive Garden – Veterans and active-duty military get a free entrée from a special menu on Veterans Day. Proof of service required (I.D. card, Veterans organization card (ie: Amer. Legion, VFW, etc.), DD214 certificate, etc)

Outback Steakhouse - Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary Bloomin’ Onion and non-alcoholic beverage. This deal is good all week, from Nov. 7-11, 2011. More details at the Outback website:http://www.outback.com/companyinfo/veteransday.aspx

Spaghetti Warehouse- Once in a Lifetime Veteran’s Day Celebration. In honor of US military veterans and the unique once in a lifetime date: 11-11-11, Spaghetti Warehouse is offering lasagna or any original recipe spaghetti entree for only $0.11, with the purchase of a lasagne or any original recipe spaghetti entree at regular price. This offer is open to everyone, not just veterans. Download the coupon at their website.

Subway – Free Six Inch Sub, November 11, 2011. Select SUBWAY® Restaurants will offer a FREE six inch sub or flatbread to military veterans on Veteran’s Day. This offer is valid only on November 11, 2011 at participating local SUBWAY® restaurants, Military ID or proof of service required. Note: SUBWAY® Restaurants are franchises, so this offer may not be available everywhere. Please call ahead for participation and times.

Texas Roadhouse - Free meal from opening until 4pm. on Veterans Day. Served only at lunchtime. More details on the Texas Roadhouse
website: http://www.texasroadhouse.com/landing-pages/veterans-day
From Nov. 1 to Nov. 30 Texas Roadhouse will donate 10% of the purchase amount of the military design gift cards to Homes for Our Troops to provide specially adapted homes for severely wounded warriors. For more info go towww.homesforourtroops.org/hou

Tim Hortons – all US locations are offering a free donut to all veterans (check out the Star Spangled donut!).

T.G.I. Friday’s - Veterans and Service members Buy one get one free on Nov 11. For more information visithttp://www.tgifridays.com/home/welcome.aspx

UNO Chicago Grill - UNO is offering a Buy One Get One free offer to Service members or Veterans with a military or veteran I.D. or in uniform or with a photo of themselves in uniform. The Veterans Day BOGO offer includes a free entree or individual pizza, with the purchase of an entree or pizza of equal or greater value.

Wendy’s - The Veterans Advantage program where you can get coupons and other specials via email. Register to get special offers for hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, Frosty and other menu items. Special coupons are distributed to Veterans Advantage members for patriotic holidays, including Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Patriot Day and Veterans Day. More details on the Wendy’s website:http://www.aboutwendys.com/Responsibility/Veterans-Advantage/

To all of the veteran’s out there, thank you. To all the American’s who appreciate them on veteran’s day, thank you as well.

James Keeling

SSgt. USAF, 1988-1998

Episode #19 of Compensating Controls!

jkeeling — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:04:38 +0000

Episode #19 of Compensating Controls!

A FREE PODCAST NOVEL! Subscribe now.

The time has come for your weekly episode of Compensating Controls! In this episode, we catch up with Agent Houghman as well as get a possible glimpse into Nick’s plans.

Bumper for this episode was read by me…. The reason why, is that this episode, I want to promote myself and my novel Compensating Controls…

The Kindle version of the book is available from the Kindle Store Here.

If you would simply want the ePub version of the novel, please feel free to caress the donate button on the right and shoot me some goodness. I’ll send a copy of the ePub right along.

If you’re happy where you are and just want to send along a thanks with feeling, the donation button is there for that purpose as well. It’s been a long road getting the novel out this far.

That’s really all I got right now. The needful needs doing so I must run. Take care everyone.

If you have a promo you would like me to play, please let me know. Only caveat is that I’ll need a bumper recorded as well.

Feel free to send me voice messages in audio format for inclusion in the podcast or email. I’d be happy to put them in the feed.

Make sure that you’ve already listened to the previous episodes prior to listening to this one. Click on the RSS feed button to the right to subscribe with your favorite podcatcher.

Episode #18 of Compensating Controls!

jkeeling — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 03:21:55 +0000

Episode #18 of Compensating Controls!

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The time has come for your weekly episode of Compensating Controls! In this episode, the thrilling conclusion of the showdown at the Mall of America. Nick comes to an important decision and we catch up with the stone cold murderer Pons Matal.

Bumper and promo this week are for Allen Sale of Astral Audio Entertainment available at: http://www.astralaudio.net

If you have a promo you would like me to play, please let me know. Only caveat is that I’ll need a bumper recorded as well.

Tech tips in this episode: Still waiting for tech tips from you listeners…

Feedback question: What do you think Nick has cooking?

Feel free to send me voice messages in audio format for inclusion in the podcast or email. I’d be happy to put them in the feed.

Make sure that you’ve already listened to the previous episodes prior to listening to this one. Click on the RSS feed button to the right to subscribe with your favorite podcatcher.

Episode #17 of Compensating Controls!

jkeeling — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 18:27:34 +0000

Episode #17 of Compensating Controls!

A FREE PODCAST NOVEL! Subscribe now.

The time has come for your weekly episode of Compensating Controls! In this episode, the chase continues through the mall of america.

If you have a promo you would like me to play, please let me know. Only caveat is that I’ll need a bumper recorded as well.

Tech tips in this episode: Still waiting for tech tips from you listeners…

Feedback question: How’s it going? What do you think of the story and podcast so far? A suggestion that I use an actual female voice has been made. Thoughts? Too jarring to change right now?

Feel free to send me voice messages in audio format for inclusion in the podcast or email. I’d be happy to put them in the feed.

Make sure that you’ve already listened to the previous episodes prior to listening to this one. Click on the RSS feed button to the right to subscribe with your favorite podcatcher.

Episode #16 of Compensating Controls!

jkeeling — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 16:38:56 +0000

Episode #16 of Compensating Controls!

A FREE PODCAST NOVEL! Subscribe now.

The time has come for your weekly episode of Compensating Controls! In this episode Cassandra and Nick visit the Mall of America. Are they simply shopping? I doubt it.

Bumper and Promo for this episode are for Paul Elard Cooley’s Garaaga’s Children. His content is available at his website http://www.shadowpublications.com

Tech tips in this episode: Still waiting for tech tips from you listeners… Here’s one though.

How is the Defense of your computer and network like living in the frozen tundra of Minne-so-cold? It’s all about layers. The industry term is defense in depth. It starts with perimeter security, firewalls, proxy’s and the like and extends all the way down to the desktop including things like antivirus, file integrity monitoring, application whitelisting, Host based intrusion detection. There’s a lot of information out there on best practices in this area. Realize now that a lot of it was written by sales people, so look for advice for actually engineers…
Feedback question: Will Agent Houghman and Officer Hernandez get there in time to save them?

Feel free to send me voice messages in audio format for inclusion in the podcast or email. I’d be happy to put them in the feed.

Make sure that you’ve already listened to the previous episodes prior to listening to this one. Click on the RSS feed button to the right to subscribe with your favorite podcatcher.

Episode #15 of Compensating Controls!

jkeeling — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 06:08:57 +0000

Episode #15 of Compensating Controls!

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The time has come for your weekly episode of Compensating Controls! In this episode Peter and Julio examine the crime scene and Nick and Cassandra deal with the devastation of death.

Bumper and Promo for this episode are for All Roads Lead to Blue Lake by Marc Vale available at http://www.podiobooks.com/title/all-roads-lead-to-blue-lake and a BONUS promo for Asunder by John Mireau available at http://www.servingworlds.com.

Tech tips in this episode:

I’m turning the tips over to you the listener. Please send me your tips. Novice, expert, or both. This way we can all learn from each other. They can be submitted anonymously if you wish. If you want me to pimp something of yours in way of attribution, I would be glad to. Email tips to jkeeling@jameskeeling.com.
Feedback question: Someone died in this episode, how did it make you feel?

Feel free to send me voice messages in audio format for inclusion in the podcast or email. I’d be happy to put them in the feed.

Make sure that you’ve already listened to the previous episodes prior to listening to this one. Click on the RSS feed button to the right to subscribe with your favorite podcatcher.

Episode #14 of Compensating Controls!

jkeeling — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 17:51:51 +0000

Episode #14 of Compensating Controls!

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The time has come for your weekly episode of Compensating Controls! In this episode Nick goes to his friend Scott Sigler, AKA Pope Siglericus XXX for help.

Bumper and Promo for this episode are for John Mireau available at http://www.johnmireau.com.

Tech tips in this episode:

Novice – wordpress – Blogging software. This site uses it. Check it out.
Advanced – Resolution for both DNS and NetBIOS. Two commands to play with:
- ipconfig /flushdns
- nbtstat -RR

Feedback question: Someone died in this episode, how did it make you feel?

Feel free to send me voice messages in audio format for inclusion in the podcast or email. I’d be happy to put them in the feed.

Make sure that you’ve already listened to the previous episodes prior to listening to this one. Click on the RSS feed button to the right to subscribe with your favorite podcatcher.

Episode #13 of Compensating Controls!

jkeeling — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 03:53:19 +0000

Episode #13 of Compensating Controls!

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The time has come for your weekly episode of Compensating Controls! In this episode we catch up with the killer Pons Matal, he’s got something cookin’. Nick and Cassandra find out about Eugene and Cassandra comes clean, well, at least somewhat clean.

Bumper and Promo for this episode are for John Mireau available at http://www.johnmireau.com.

Tech tips in this episode:

Novice – Passwordsafe – protect those passwords!
Advanced – Untangle – wait a minute, haven’t I given this tip before?

Feedback question: Make up a question and then answer it. Let me know what it was.

Feel free to send me voice messages in audio format for inclusion in the podcast or email. I’d be happy to put them in the feed.

Make sure that you’ve already listened to the previous episodes prior to listening to this one. Click on the RSS feed button to the right to subscribe with your favorite podcatcher.

Astral Audio looking for an Announcer!

jkeeling — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 18:57:50 +0000

Do YOU have what it takes?

Astral Audio is one of the best and most prolific podcasts out there and they’re looking a a voice. They are currently accepting submissions. See their website for more details.

http://www.astralaudio.net/astral-audio-entertainment-holding-announcer-auditions/

Episode #12 of Compensating Controls!

jkeeling — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 15:35:00 +0000

Episode #12 of Compensating Controls!

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The time has come for your weekly episode of Compensating Controls! In this episode the fugitives reach out for help. But to whom? The lesser of all the evils of course.

Bumper and Promo for this episode are provided by Jeffrey Hite of Flying Island Press available at http://www.flyingislandpress.com

Tech tips in this episode:

Novice – Back up your data!
Advanced – How to test to see if a ort is listening or not.

Feedback question: Would you have surrendered yourself?

Feel free to send me voice messages in audio format for inclusion in the podcast or email. I’d be happy to put them in the feed.

Make sure that you’ve already listened to the previous episodes prior to listening to this one. Click on the RSS feed button to the right to subscribe with your favorite podcatcher.

Immortalized as a Bitstrip

jkeeling — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:18:06 +0000

Thomas Reed has created a Bitstrip about Compensating Controls!

For those who don’t know, Bitstrips are online based comic strips created by users and shared with the world. Thomas Reed or Treed is a bitstripping maniac and one of the biggest podcast novel fans out there, and I for one am eternally grateful.

Episode #11 of Compensating Controls!

jkeeling — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 15:29:22 +0000

Episode #11 of Compensating Controls!

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The time has come for your weekly episode of Compensating Controls! In this episode we find out what became of Mr. Pons Matal. We also find out just who destroyed the offsite data storage facility at DataStor. Finally, we find ourselves Nick and Cassandra. Somebody has a choice to make…

Bumper and Promo for this episode are provided by the silky smooth Veronica Giguere and the podcast novel The Ballad of Iron Percy available at http://www.podiobooks.com/title/the-ballad-of-iron-percy.

As an aside, Veronica is also nominated for a Parsec Award for her work on The Secret World Chronicles, also available via podiobooks.

Tech tips in this episode:

Novice – Learn how to use tabs when you browse, it’ll increase you efficiency online by leaps and bounds.
Advanced – Check to the Tor Project – Anonymous browsing, very spiffy https://www.torproject.org/.

Feedback question: If you were Cassandra, what would you do?

Feel free to send me voice messages in audio format for inclusion in the podcast or email. I’d be happy to put them in the feed.

Make sure that you’ve already listened to the previous episodes prior to listening to this one. Click on the RSS feed button to the right to subscribe with your favorite podcatcher.

Episode #10 of Compensating Controls!

jkeeling — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 16:58:02 +0000

Episode #10 of Compensating Controls!

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The time has come for your weekly episode of Compensating Controls! In this episode we catch up with Agent Houghman and we get to listen in to Nick’s little heart to heart with Cassandra.

Bumper and Promo for this episode are provided by the incredible John Mierau.

Available at http://www.johnmierau.com Check it out.

Tech tips in this episode:

Novice – Check out Drop My Rights, a neat proggie to help protect you from yourself. And pack a power strip. http://cybercoyote.org/security/drop.shtml
Advanced – Check out Backtrack, chock full of tools. http://www.backtrack-linux.org/

Feedback question: If you had been Nick, what would you have done?

Feel free to send me voice messages in audio format for inclusion in the podcast or email. I’d be happy to put them in the feed.

Make sure that you’ve already listened to the previous episodes prior to listening to this one. Click on the RSS feed button to the right to subscribe with your favorite podcatcher.

Episode #9 of Compensating Controls!

jkeeling — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 02:47:26 +0000

Episode #9 of Compensating Controls!

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The time has come for your weekly episode of Compensating Controls! In this episode Agent Houghman gets a clue, but will it be enough? Cassandra is in the clutches of Matal, does she go the way of Eugene?

Bumper and Promo for this episode are provided by Tony Miller, a new podcaster from Kentucky.

Available at http://www.aomiller2.com Check it out.

Tech tips in this episode:

Novice – Find out what your actual connection speed is: http://www.speedtest.net. Remember, it’s only as fast as the slowing link in the overall connection.
Advanced – Troubleshooting 101 – What’s your IP? Understanding the basics of checking your IP stack is crucial to troubleshooting connectivity

Feedback question: Ever broken in an exterior door of a home? Really, how hard is it? Also, kick it in or use the old shoulder?

Feel free to send me voice messages in audio format for inclusion in the podcast or email. I’d be happy to put them in the feed.

Make sure that you’ve already listened to the previous episodes prior to listening to this one. Click on the RSS feed button to the right to subscribe with your favorite podcatcher.

Episode #8 of Compensating Controls!

jkeeling — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 05:10:28 +0000

Episode #8 of Compensating Controls!

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The time has come for your weekly episode of Compensating Controls! In this episode the killer Pons Matal catches up with our friend Eugene Wallace aka Byte1t. Somehow I don’t think it will end well for Eugene. We also find out just how bad poor Cassandra’s situation is about to get.

Bumper and Promo for this episode are provided by Chris Moody from PodioMediaChat

Available at http://www.podiomediachat.com/ Check it out.

Tech tips in this episode:

None… I’m still asking if you like having them. I enjoy doing them, but only if you enjoy hearing them. Let me know if you’d like them to continue.

Feedback question: What did you think of the added effects. Leave them out or put them in?

Feel free to send me voice messages in audio format for inclusion in the podcast or email. I’d be happy to put them in the feed.

Make sure that you’ve already listened to the previous episodes prior to listening to this one. Click on the RSS feed button to the right to subscribe with your favorite podcatcher.

Episode #7 of Compensating Controls!

jkeeling — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 03:38:46 +0000

Episode #7 of Compensating Controls!

A FREE PODCAST NOVEL! Subscribe now.

The time has come for your weekly episode of Compensating Controls! In this episode we find out just who The Controller was contacting at the end of episode #6. We also find Special Agent Peter Houghman, hot on the trail of our fugitive. Finally, we catch up with Nick and Cassandra. Nick has placed all of his trust in her, but was that really such a good idea?

Bumper and Promo for this episode are provided by Hugh of the Way of the Buffalo Podcast http://wayofthebuffalopodcast.blogspot.com/ Check it out.

Tech tips in this episode:

None… I’m asking if you like having them. I enjoy providing them for you, but want to make sure that this podcast serves you, the listener. I’m not doing this to hear myself talk. Well, maybe I am, but that’s not the point. You’re out there. I hope. And this is mostly for you. Let me know if you like the inclusion of the tips and if you think it’s something I should continue.

Feedback question: Who do you think Cassandra was calling?

Feel free to send me voice messages in audio format for inclusion in the podcast or email. I’d be happy to put them in the feed.

Make sure that you’ve already listened to the previous episodes prior to listening to this one. Click on the RSS feed button to the right to subscribe with your favorite podcatcher.

Compensating Controls? Not – Interim Tidbit Epi 6.5

jkeeling — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 06:29:53 +0000

Sadly, this is not Episode 7 of Compensating Controls. This is in fact Episode 6.5, and interim tidbit.

In this podcast I explain why it isn’t Episode 7, as well as address the 4th of July and what it means to me in light of current events within my own life.

Only link for this show note is the University of Mary in Bismarck ND. http://www.umary.edu . Thanks again for listening and I’ll see you next week.

Episode #6 of Compensating Controls!

jkeeling — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 17:23:13 +0000

Episode #6 of Compensating Controls!

A FREE PODCAST NOVEL! Subscribe now.

The time has come for your weekly episode of Compensating Controls! We check in with Nick and Cassandra, what are they going to do? We also find out just who this infamous hacker is. The one who broke into poor Nick’s network and stole that vital data. Who is he and what does he really want?

Bumper and Promo for this episode graciously provided by Neil Colquhoun. His stuff, including Boiling Point, Words from Walter, and the upcoming Jimmy and the Black Wind are available at http://neilcolquhoun.com/ Check his stuff out.

Tech tips in this episode:

Productivity – Keyboard shortcuts… A surprisingly small thing that over the course of time can reap great dividends…
The command line, it’s not just for Linux…

Feedback question: If you were a hat, what kind of hat would you be and why?

Feel free to send me voice messages in audio format for inclusion in the podcast or email. I’d be happy to put them in the feed.

Make sure that you’ve already listened to the previous episodes prior to listening to this one. Click on the RSS feed button to the right to subscribe with your favorite podcatcher.

I’ve been published!

jkeeling — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 19:00:30 +0000

A Pleasant Day for a Run

By James Keeling

I have officially been published on Flying Island Press. It’s a short story titled “A Pleasant Day for a Run” and is available on the Flying Island Press Pirates Cove website HERE. There you will find both the text of the story as well as a very lovely audio version of the tale.

Great! You’ve been published! Did you get paid for your work? Answer: yes and probably…

The pay model for this contest is donation based with the majority of donated monies going directly to the author (that would be me). Somewhat akin to the way they do things at Podiobooks.com.

So please read the story… if it makes you chuckle, chuck a buck or two (or more) at the beautiful donate button located on the story page. I could then consider myself a published author paid for his work. I keep on hearing about this mythical state of being, but personally doubt it exists. Until proven wrong of course, then happy day.

Flying Island Press is a great ezine containing some of the best new fiction out there. Extremely affordable and always entertaining, they also offer free content in the form of podcasts and fiction such as the Fiction Tuesday Writing Contest.

Episode #5 of Compensating Controls!

jkeeling — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 17:25:42 +0000

Episode #5 of Compensating Controls!

The time has come for your weekly episode of Compensating Controls! We finally get to meet Cassandra. Who is she and what’s she doing in Nick’s life? we also spend some more time with Special Agent Peter Houghman. He’s on the trail, and something tells me he’s not going to give up the chase.

Tech tips in this episode:

Don’t click on links in emails without checking them first (could be a bad guy)
How to hijack facebook sessions – along with the only situation I feel it’s warranted
How to block access to pages in a way that you’re kids won’t find it.

Feedback question: What cool geek phrase did Howard use in this episode. Double points for knowing what it means.

Feel free to send me voice messages in audio format for inclusion in the podcast or email. I’d be happy to put them in the feed.

Make sure that you’ve already listened to the previous episodes prior to listening to this one. Click on the RSS feed button to the right to subscribe with your favorite podcatcher.

What’s Compensating Controls About?

jkeeling — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:35:18 +0000

Here’s the general idea.

Nicholas Edgwood was riding a wave of good karma. A job he excelled at, a new girlfriend, and a bright future ahead. But when he’s framed for a cyber-crime he did not commit, He is forced to run for his very life while watching his entire world crumble around him. Betrayal and murder replace peace and hope as he finds himself in unfamiliar territory. He may not be the biggest and baddest guy out there, but he’s got skills. Skills he must now leverage to their fullest just to stay above ground and breathing. It’s going to take all of his talent and courage he may not have, just to survive.

Episode #4 of Compensating Controls!

jkeeling — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 15:34:10 +0000

Episode #4 of Compensating Controls!

The time has come for your weekly episode of Compensating Controls! In this episode, we meet Special Agent Peter Houghman and see what Nick does next.

Make sure that you’ve already listened to the previous episodes prior to listening to this one. Click on the RSS feed button to the right to subscribe with your favorite podcatcher.

And… We have a Promo!

jkeeling — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 02:32:07 +0000

Now in existence, the promo for Compensating Controls!

Give it a listen and let me know what you think.

Remember, I’m available on Twitter and Facebook at SynapticJam and email at jkeeling (at) jameskeeling.com.

Episode #3 of Compensating Controls!

jkeeling — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 05:32:55 +0000

Episode #3 of Compensating Controls!

Had in incredible time at BALTICON! I managed to record a few of the panels and readings. I’ll see if I can’t put those up in the feed. For right now though, I’m still pretty tried and wiped out from all the excitement over the weekend. As usual, if you have any comments or questions, please feel free to email me at jkeeling@jameskeeling.com or follow me on twitter @SynapticJam or visit the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/synapticjam

Make sure that you’ve already listened to Episode #1 prior to listening to this one. Click on the RSS feed button to the right to subscribe with your favorite podcatcher.

To Everyone who attended Balticon 45

jkeeling — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 05:53:45 +0000

This is my personal thank to everyone who was at Balticon45

If it means something to you, please send it on to any and everyone you know who attended Balticon 45.

Balticon rawks

jkeeling — Sun, 29 May 2011 06:20:05 +0000

Abigail Hilton and Norm Sherman are awesome talents! Listen to them. Now!

Episode #2 of Compensating Controls!

jkeeling — Wed, 25 May 2011 06:48:31 +0000

Episode #2 of Compensating Controls!

I am posting this a few days early in honor of BALTICON! Which I will be attending. Find me if you dare, or can, or whatever. As usual, if you have any comments or questions, please feel free to email me at jkeeling@jameskeeling.com or follow me on twitter @SynapticJam or visit the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/synapticjam

Make sure that you’ve already listened to Episode #1 prior to listening to this one. Click on the RSS feed button to the right to subscribe with your favorite podcatcher.

Compensating Controls is LIVE!

jkeeling — Sat, 21 May 2011 15:28:23 +0000

This is it! The first episode of Compensating Controls!

I have now dropped the first episode of Compensating Controls into the feed. Subscribe now to get it and watch the feed for subsequent episodes which will drop each and every week. If anything, my appreciation for other podcast authors has risen quite considerably.

Click on the RSS Subscribe link on the right to go to the feed page. From there, you can add this podcast to your favorite catcher. For most of you, this will be old hat, but for those who are new to the process, if you need help, please let me know and I’d be happy to walk you through subscription. Comments can be left on this page or you can always email me directly at jkeeling@jameskeeling.com.

If you haven’t noticed, the current image for Compensating Controls is very basic. Fancy yourself a hand at making a better one? Please feel free. Let me know and we’ll see if we can include it on the podcast. The obligatory “Artwork provided by” would of course be included in the audio.

I look forward to interacting with you all each and every week. Enjoy the story.

Want to Succeed? Who Doesn’t?

jkeeling — Wed, 18 May 2011 18:24:25 +0000

Hat tip goes to The Galley Table of Flying Island Press episode #36
In the interest of going full circle, or maybe great minds think alike, I’d like to talk for a moment about the creation of momentum and socially energizing forces.
During a previous tidbit, I veered off on a Synaptic Tangent. I discussed the topic of “How to remain socially relevant”. I will paste the relevant portion of the tidbit here as it pertains to the post so you don’t have to read through the whole thing, though it’s available here if you like.
“How to remain socially relevant.” For purposes of this tangent, a social energizer is anybody or anything that creates online energy around it. Being part of a current social energizer is a sure fire way to produce website traffic and create social relevance. But more often than not, you are on the periphery of the energizing event. Siphoning off traffic that constantly circles an energized core. Think of it in astronomic terms, wherein the socially energizing event is a gravity well of some sort creating gravitational force, and we are satellites, some with heavy gravitational forces of our own.
An example of this phenomena occurred recently with the Boom Effect. A charity auction set up to benefit the young daughter of a podcasting great. I won’t rehash the event here. You can read about it on my website, see the show notes for the link. The Boom Effect Redux: http://www.jameskeeling.com/?p=195 This was a cause that I felt strongly about and I did what I could to help. I podcasted about it, tweeted about it, participated on facebook, and I saw my traffic spike incredibly. This was because I created a gravity source near the energizing event and some of the social relevance that circled the Charity Event temporarily circled my online presence. Of course, this traffic was fleeting and quickly returned to the source, but I saw and felt it. Honestly, it felt good. Does that make me a leech? I would like to think not as I believe I contributed to the event, even if only in my small way.
That does bring up the question though of how to create energizing events that are strong enough to draw energy from the online community. Social and community organizers create this critical mass by latching themselves onto events and causes. Podcasters and podcast novelists do it by providing regular serialized content. This is a subject that requires additional deep though. Much too deep for this missive. Perhaps I will write about that and podcast it. Is this very podcast it? Does this singular podcast represent the nascent creation of an energy nexus? Maybe. If it is, it won’t be because of me, it will be because of you, I mean, you’re the audience. Or not. Maybe it’s not you, maybe it really all comes down to me, I mean, it’s my future to make or break… Whoa… too deep… Pull it back jimmy boy, pull it back a bit.
Synaptic foray into the unknown now over! Back to the podcast at hand.

Okay… Time to jump back to the present. A comment on a recent episode of The Galley Table from Flying Island Press recently sparked this memory for me. In a round about way at least. The great minds of Flying Island Press recommended a short book that we all should read: “Do the Work” by Steven Pressfield

Not only is this an excellent read (and short), but it’s currently FREE on the Amazon Kindle Store. You heard me right. FREE! Shall I say it a third time to make to real? FREE!
Since I really love good advice, I snapped up that like a good boy and read it. Excellent! If you’re struggling with any project be it creative or not, this book has a lot of great concepts on how to succeed. Two areas of this novel spoke to me as I was able to relate them directly to my own personal experience.

Run through the first draft. Don’t stop. Don’t edit the crap out of a partial. Finish the rough draft first and then polish. The boys mentioned this on the podcast, the book mentioned it, and after winning NaNoWriMo for three years in a row, I know it to be true.
A project that you believe in, that has your good will behind it, will draw others unto you. We see this meme consistently throughout history and culture. This concept sparked my fuzzy memory of the Tidbit Synaptic Tangent I did way back in March of last year.

Take it for what you will, but that’s what I’ve got.

Links:

If you have any questions or comments, please let me know. Thanks for being out there everyone and get yourselves ready for Compensating Controls – My first Podcast Novel!!! (In case you’re curious, I’ve got a whole boatload of good will and positive thoughts behind this particular venture).

In the process – and a couple of questions.

jkeeling — Wed, 18 May 2011 03:10:13 +0000

Alrighty then… I’m preparing my podcast for Podiobooks and working through the necessary steps.

One question I’ll pose to everyone: Although I’ve already gotten an intro and outro recorded, I’m thinking about revamping what I say. Right now it’s really basic.
Intro: Yada Yada presents Such and Such by So and So.
Outro: You have been listening to Yackity Schmackity blah blah blah….

As this is the intro/outro for podiobooks, I’m not allowed to have any chatter in it. I’m planning on ading that into a feed I host myself. Ergo, I want to direct people who get the podcast from podiobooks to the full monty available from www.jameskeeling.com. I could just say it plain, but I’d like to make it interesting. Any ideas out there?

The technical requirements aren’t too difficult.

EncodingBit Rate: 128 kbps
Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz
Stereo Mode/Channel: Joint Stereo

ID3 Tagging
Itʼs easiest if we provide an example of competed tags.
NAME (also called TITLE): Nocturnal 09
ARTIST: Scott Sigler
ALBUM: Nocturnal
GROUPING: Podiobooks.com
TRACK: 9YEAR: 2008
GENRE: Podcast
ARTWORK: (included on every episode)

The tricky part comes in to play with areas like Joint Stereo and the ID3 tagging. I’m using iTunes for the ID3 tagging and the new beta version of Audacity has the joint stereo option…

I’m currently asking the experts on the podiobooks community website to verify my work and then I’ll be submitting it.

Yet another question: I’m looking at the chapters and their recorded lengths. Personally, I really like podcasts that last approximately 30 minutes. The average chapter length seems to be about 10 minutes. Logic would dictate that we put three chapters in each episode. I’m alright with that, but there are chapters that have great cliff hangering capabilities. How short is too short?

* * *

Update on other works – I’ve decided on “Into a Scarlet Cloud” as the next work I put out in podcast format. I might even try to go full cast for it. We’ll have to see. It’s a great story. I would call it either steampunk or maybe diesel punk. I think it’ll be well received.

But now, back to work

Compensating Controls

jkeeling — Thu, 12 May 2011 23:09:57 +0000

This is so exciting that I can barely contain my bounding joy! I’m pulling it all together. The written novel, the audio for podcast, the new media aspects for promotion. And bumpers! I have bumpers!

Compensating Controls is coming!

jkeeling — Wed, 04 May 2011 14:00:43 +0000

Alright! Finally! I’m done with the edits to Compensating Controls… I’m working the Kindle Store angle… I’m already a third of the way through recording it… and I’m gathering incidental resources to help make it a success!

It’s going to happen people! And soon!

Writing and editing continues apace

jkeeling — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 19:18:37 +0000

I have been spending some time running a couple of older pieces through the editing grinder. Amazing how much your writing can mature in only a couple of years. I’m recording a fun tale written by someone else for Podiobook syndication… Going well. Hopefully, there will be great things to come. Thanks for being out there everyone!

The All Pro by Scott Sigler

jkeeling — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 17:35:10 +0000

You might notice the new widget on the right. The All Pro by Scott Sigler goes on preorder April 1.
The All Pro is the 3rd book in a series by New York Times Bestselling Author Scott Siger (http://www.scottsigler.com). The previous two books, The Rookie, and The Starter, are fan favorites and available as free audio at http://www.podiobooks.com.
Highly Recommended.

Quick Update

jkeeling — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 17:16:38 +0000

I’m still working on my post NaNoWriMo update and hope to post it soon. Suffice it to say, I finished (early even). I’ve been working on a short story recently and am happy with the quality. Thanks go out to a number of first readers who offered invaluable feedback. More later.

Half Way Point NaNoWriMo Update

jkeeling — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:10:08 +0000

Well, on the 15th, here is where I sit. Notice I say halfway point for the month. Not necessarily for my progress. I’m a bit past that. Doing well and pushing hard. We’ll see how long it takes for me to finish.

NaNoWriMo 2010 Update- 52% and Climbing!

jkeeling — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:54:42 +0000

Here’s my update for NaNoWriMo. I’ll avoid the long diatribe about the writing process and all that. Ask if you want. Here’s the status, straight from the NaNoWriMo website.

If you’re interested, the straight sloped line is what you would get if you wrote just the 1,667 words a day to hit 50,000 on the last day of the month.

NaNoWriMo Quick Update Day 6

jkeeling — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 16:21:43 +0000

Sorry I haven’t been placing more updates here,but I’ve been busy writing…

To see how I’m doing currently, look to the right hand side of the page to see my NaNoWriMo area which will always have my current word count.

Here’s where I sit right now:

Well, it’s been a good day so far…
Stats
Today’s Stats
Words Written Today 3270 (That’s a lot!)
Cumulative Word Count 17270 (yep, that’s 17,270 words! Almost 35%!)
Current Day 6
Average Words per Day 2879 (You need to average 1,667 a day to finish)
At This Rate You Will Finish On Nov 18 (We’ll have to see, time will tell)
Days Remaining 24
Total Words Remaining 32730 (That’s a lot of words, but I’m well on my way)
Words per Day to Finish on Time 1364

That’s 3,270 words so far today… So far cause I’m not done yet.

I’ve recorded some audio (after day 3 actually) that I haven’t put in the feed. Real world requirements are keeping me from my appointed rounds, so to speak. I’ll try to get those up. I also want to record some feedback for a couple of podcasts that I listen to as well. See if I can make all that happen. Now, back to the novel! NaNoWriMo? Come get some!

NaNoWriMo Day 1 —— 4,768 Words

jkeeling — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:41:09 +0000

Well, day one of the 2010 NaNoWriMo has come and gone and I have begun. Day one total? 4,768 words.

I kicked it off as I do every year with the “Countdown to Midnight Write-In”. This is a write-in that I organize for the local region (Twin Cities) to ring in the new November.

Click More for more great info and a couple of pictures

I had the write-in at the Bloomington IHOP by the Mall of America and I must say, it was a rousing success. About 30 writers showed up to give it their all, and the staff was great. Coffee flowed and pancakes were consumed… The party broke up at about 3am and off we went to pursue our novels wherever they might lead.

Here are just a couple of pics. We basically monopolized about a third of the restaurant (did I say how great the IHOP staff was?).

Into Scarlet Clouds

jkeeling — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 21:03:56 +0000

Not only do I apparently have a plot, here is my first crack at a synopsis for it too!

Synopsis of Synaptic Jam’s 2010
NaNoWriMo Novel

Into Scarlet Clouds
by James Keeling

When his family falls victim to tragedy, a young man is taken into the sky and launched upon a dangerous course. Contending with treachery and doubt he must overcome nearly insurmountable odds to save a kingdom.

Less than 2 days until NaNoWriMo 2010!

jkeeling — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 17:06:28 +0000

Well, we had our Official Kick-Off party last night at Nina’s Cafe in St. Paul last night. There was a mighty crowd there and we packed the space set aside for us. A lot of potential authors out there last night with many interesting ideas of what novel they are going to write for NaNoWriMo. I also happen to have two children doing the Young Writer’s Program as well. We’ll see how that goes.

Click on the More to finish reading the rest of this post, which is awesome… well, kinda sorta awesome…

On the positive front, I think I finally have my story idea. Part fantasy, part steampunk, part, well, I don’t really know. Hopefully it will pan out and I’ll have a good property on my hands. Time will indeed tell. Honestly, this is the latest that I’ve ever gone without having at least the first third to half of the novel plotted out. But my synapses are firing rapidly right now and I think this will be a good one. Drama, adventure, and dare I say love, all abound aplenty.

As yet another aside, I joined the “My Writing Nook” as a way to keep my novel posted and synchronized between my iPod Touch and a storage place on the internet. Although it uses Google’s back end for storage (boo hiss), it does an admirable job of keeping your writing organized and synched between two locations regardless of place. Surprisingly, when I finished jotting down my story idea and basic plot outline this morning and synched it up, I discovered that I had typed no less than 619 words on my iPod Touch. Maybe, just maybe, it will be an option for me to use to augment my word count during NaNoWriMo this coming month.

Unfortunately, they have begun looking for people using their handhelds during meetings at work, so the teen trick of holding the Touch below the edge of the table and typing during long meetings is out. darn.

Next event of import for me is the Countdown to Midnight Write-in that I’m sponsoring for this year’s NaNoWriMo. Tomorrow night of all things. If you’re an author and you live in the cities, please feel free to swing by the IHOP by the Mall of America Sunday night any time after 11pm and say hi. Heck, even if you’re not an author and you just want be friendly. Just not too friendly… I’m just not that kind of guy.

NaNoWriMo is coming!

jkeeling — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 20:18:22 +0000

NaNoWriMo or National Novel Writing Month is upon us once again. I do indeed intend to participate in this fast paced whirlwind race against the clock.

For those who do not know the challenge is this: Write a 50,000 word novel in under 30 days. That’s it. It doesn’t have to be pretty, it simply has to be.

Unfortunately, I am approaching this challenge with neither story idea nor plot. I’ve got a couple of granules of thought which might blossum into a great novel, but time will tell. If you are participating yourself, great! Give it all you’ve got. If you’re not, well, maybe you should. If you’ve ever wanted to be an author but just couldn’t quite get going, or if you’ve started but gotten bogged down in endless editing on the first two chapters, NaNoWriMo may just be for you. It gives you a goal which precludes any on the fly in depth editing. Internal editors are not welcome here. Finish that first draft and then go back and edit.

NaNoWriMo can be found at their website here. My personal page is here. I plan to keep this blog updated with my wordcount so wish me luck. If you happen to be in the Twin Cities area, let me know and we’ll try to hook up for a write-in.

Mayhaps the absense is over….

jkeeling — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 22:07:30 +0000

I’d like to begin by expressing my sincere apologies for my extended absence as of late. This truancy on my part was neither warranted nor planned and for that I am profoundly regretful. As is often the case, the trappings of a normal life have required my undivided attention and as all things must be prioritized, my online presence has taken the proverbial back seat. But as the Lois McKendrick must drag itself from the gravity well, so must I. I hope to begin posting with some regularity in the future and look forward to interacting with you all.

Along with my online presence, my writing has sufferred as wll. This I also hope to remedy as I am still in the editing phase with Subversion, Sacrifice, and Salvation (S3). Work on Insurance to Die For is coming along, albeit slowly. I still have yet to formulate a novel for NaNoWriMo this fall. Much needs to be done if I am to truly get ‘back on track’.

As for podcasting and podcast novelling, I still plan to continue releasing TidBits as well as work on Podcasting an existing work, most likley from the Gutenberg Press. As stated previously, this is to build my reading and podcasting chops in preparation for the recording and release of my own fiction. The question of whether or not to produce a full cast audio presentation remains unanswered.

I haven’t yet recorded this for inclusion in the podcast. I might publish it as a secondary TidBit.

I am going to close this update with one of my very favorite poems, The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost. For me, the telling phrase is not the last line, which is repeated universally, but an earlier sentiment. “Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.” Such it is our own lives, the forks we choose to take build the pathways of our life, and the journey continues.

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
and sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
and looked down one as far as I could
to where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair,
and having perhaps the better claim
because it was grassy and wanted wear;
though as for that, the passing there
had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
in leaves no feet had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –
I took the one less travelled by,
and that has made all the difference.

The Future of Publishing

jkeeling — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 03:40:45 +0000

This is a lot of speculation and conjecture out there on the state of the publishing industry and more importantly, it’s future. Some say it doesn’t even have one. The new model of self promotion, coupled with the enormous exposure proffered by social media, provides existing and prospective authors with an incredible opportunity to expand their fan (read: customer) base by leaps and bounds. Brand identity can now be established prior to any publication whatsoever and this places the ‘publishing industry’ in a mostly unique situation as to the roles in which it can operate given the new paradigm.

I say mostly unique in that they are beginning to see the writing on the proverbial wall much as the recording industry has been forced see it. Business models always change to suit the market. They always have, and they always will. This is no different within the publishing industry.

I could launch into the usual diatribe pertaining to big publishing versus print on demand versus self publishing ad nauseam, but that has been hashed over so many times I would merely be repeating what so many others have said. Do your own research and formulate your own opinions.

Why do I mention publishing as it relates to both content providers and content consumers? The hat tip goes to ExotiKali for tweeting me this YouTube link… You may or may not agree with all of the sentiments of this one, but it’s imaginative and well done. Rock on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Weq_sHxghcg

p.s. During the Boom Effect charity auction I bid on and won signed copies of the novels “LostGods” and “Zombonauts – Undead in the Universe” from a very talented author named Drew Beatty. I received both books in the mail and I’ve got to tell you. Excellent stuff. I was previously exposed to Drew Beatty when he serialized his novel “Lost Gods” on Podiobooks.com.
The Podiobook of “Lost Gods” can be found at http://www.podiobooks.com/title/lost-gods.
Drew’s website is http://www.drewbeatty.com/. Check him out.

That’s it for this tidbit. This is James Keeling and maybe I’ll see you tomorrow.

http://www.jameskeeling.com
James @ jameskeeling.com

Sounds provided by the FreeSound Project at http://www.freesound.org

Synaptic Jam Tidbit – Wallowing in Creative Funk

jkeeling — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:21:41 +0000

My name is Jim, and I am a wallower. Yes, Wallowing is my trade. I am a wallower. My name is Jim the wallower, I contemplate, vacillate, and engage in wallowing.

In fact, lately, I’ve been wallowing to the obliviousness of all around me. Occasionally at least. I suppose I’m not much different from everyone else out there in that regard. Some call it a funk, some call it a midlife crisis, call it what you will, but it’s where I’ve been lately in relation to my creative endeavors. Be it writing, maintenance of the podcast, podcasting itself, recording of content, journaling, you name it. It seems that I’ve only allowed time for the normal mundane of life and not taken the initiative to incorporate those aspects of my existence as a fledgling podcast novelist into the normal stream of time. Even when moment after moment presented itself, I would either find something else to do, or just simply do nothing at all. Quite disheartening to say the least. Ancillary to this state of wallowing, I haven’t slept well. I feel like I haven’t gotten a good nights sleep for weeks.

Of course, as I finally sit to suss out what is going on in my “other career” as minor as it is, I realize that not only did I have the definition of ‘wallow’ wrong, but ‘suss’ apparently isn’t a word or at least the ‘Visual Thesaurus’ doesn’t know it. “What’s wrong with me!”

Suss is actually a slang term in wide use in Britian and Canada meaning to investigate, find out, capture, etc. and ‘is’ in the dictionary. And wallow isn’t even negative… it’s supposed to be a “happy occasion” whereby porcine tumblers happily while away their time in the mud. So the negative connotations I have attributed to my state of wallowdom aren’t even accurate anyway.

That’s alright chap, stiff upper lip and all that. Sure.

You might say that, well, nothing was really going on during this period worth podcasting about and ‘that’s’ why you haven’t written anything or podcasted anything.

Let me think…

My oldest turned 18 (an adult!)
For her birthday, her mother and I took her to New York for the weekend (nothing worth writing about or podcasting about there).
You would be astonished at the amount of noteworthy gems that fall from the lips of my 10 year old, 13 year old, and 16 year old (who is dating now by the way).

I won’t use it as an excuse, but there were other matters of import taking place.

During this period also, we experienced big news and a shakeup within the podcast novelling world. Those of you involved in the medium know that of which I speak. A grandfather of the podcast novel medium leapt from the precipice (so to speak). At least, that’s the affect it had on me as a neophyte podcast novelist. I could spew forth a bunch of links about this and contribute to the general melee, but not only has that already been done by those more qualified than I, but I’m also choosing not to contribute in that manner for personal reasons. As to the effect it had on me? Well, “Shaken to the core” comes to mind. Just ask my wife. Having one of your great heroes ‘chuck it all’ so to speak. If it weren’t for some other “rocks of the paradigm” out there making it happen, and you know who you are. Well, I just want to say thank you for still being out there and doing what you do. I’m still working through some of my emotions and feelings about the whole thing. A lot of others out there have written extensively on the matter, and if you haven’t read about it yet, you can find it easily enough. I’ve got my own take on not only his declaration, but what he’s done since. If you want to know what I think, just ask. I realize that there may be some of you out there who have no idea what I’m talking about. If you’re one of these and are curious, go ahead and shoot me an email, I can explain.

Another excuse I’ve told myself: “Maybe you just needed some time to cool your jets and give your creative self a chance to rest for a bit.”

Call me pig headed, but that sounds like a cop-out, even to me.

As to where I’m at now. I’ve finished the first draft of Subversion, Sacrifice, and Salvation, and it’s clocked in at a little over 62 thousand words. I’m ready to start the editing process. In fact, I’ve started editing it. At least once or twice. Time to make some actual progress. I have at least 3-4 hours of Gutenberg press content recorded but not edited. My recording and reading skills are improving. I mean, that’s the whole purpose of recording other’s content, build the skills so I can do my own fiction justice. All of these things, I need to get back to.

Maybe that’s why I’m doing this. Writing this and podcasting it. Maybe it’s cathartic, psychotherapeutic. Maybe it’s a necessary step towards healing. Yeah, that’s it. Healing. It’s just me getting’ my holistic groove on. Yep, I’m currently on step 12 out of 24. Maybe someday I can get some overpaid quack in a robe to call me cured and then I’ll be able to join society again!

So, that’s why I’m sitting here, writing all this drivel. I won’t be self-aggrandizing enough to call it baring my soul, or laying it all out there, but I will call it a swift kick in the ass. Apparently, something I am deeply in need of. Yep! That’s me. I’m the useless moron in every movie that the hero has to walk up to, cock back that perfectly manicured hand and ‘thwack!’ right across the face. “I’m sorry, but I had to do that.” They always say. Yeah, sure.

Of course, it’s at this time that you realize ‘you’re’ that guy; the moron who gets thwacked and not the hero who does the thwacking. Ouch. Why is that?

Have you ever watched someone walk away and known that as soon as they turned away, any reference to you they might have had in their consciousness completely left them. Unless there exists a direct crossing of your paths in the future, be it work, or social, you don’t even really figure into their world. But naturally, I digress.

I gotta shake this melancholy funk. It’ll drag you down if you let it.

Oh… I feel a wild hair coming on.

SYNAPTIC TANGENT!
And now: It’s time for that odd synaptic tangent… My synaptic tangents come in all shapes and sizes and range from the oddly insightful the fanciful and frightful. Take them for what you will.

“How to remain socially relevant.” For purposes of this tangent, a social energizer is anybody or anything that creates online energy around it. Being part of a current social energizer is a sure fire way to produce website traffic and create social relevance. But more often than not, you are on the periphery of the energizing event. Siphoning off traffic that constantly circles an energized core. Think of it in astronomic terms, wherein the socially energizing event is a gravity well of some sort creating gravitational force, and we are satellites, some with heavy gravitational forces of our own.

An example of this phenomena occurred recently with the Boom Effect. A charity auction set up to benefit the young daughter of a podcasting great. I won’t rehash the event here. You can read about it on my website, see the show notes for the link. The Boom Effect Redux: http://www.jameskeeling.com/?p=195 This was a cause that I felt strongly about and I did what I could to help. I podcasted about it, tweeted about it, participated on facebook, and I saw my traffic spike incredibly. This was because I created a gravity source near the energizing event and some of the social relevance that circled the Charity Event temporarily circled my online presence. Of course, this traffic was fleeting and quickly returned to the source, but I saw and felt it. Honestly, it felt good. Does that make me a leech? I would like to think not as I believe I contributed to the event, even if only in my small way.

That does bring up the question though of how to create energizing events that are strong enough to draw energy from the online community. Social and community organizers create this critical mass by latching themselves onto events and causes. Podcasters and podcast novelists do it by providing regular serialized content. This is a subject that requires additional deep though. Much too deep for this missive. Perhaps I will write about that and podcast it. Is this very podcast it? Does this singular podcast represent the nascent creation of an energy nexus? Maybe. If it is, it won’t be because of me, it will be because of you, I mean, you’re the audience. Or not. Maybe it’s not you, maybe it really all comes down to me, I mean, it’s my future to make or break… Whoa… too deep… Pull it back jimmy boy, pull it back a bit.

Synaptic foray into the unknown now over! Back to the podcast at hand.

In other words, back to my weeks of creative funk.

The question then arises… what do I do now? Is it really just a matter of “Getting back on that horse little buckaroo” or “Get off your lazy ass and get it done already!”

Probably. If left to my own devices, I sometimes tend to over think things a bit. Of course, I’m good at that… Momma always said do what you’re good at…

Of course, there’s always KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid. Now those are words to live by…

So that nagging question still hangs out there. What do you do to get over a creative funk? Well, for me at least… I think, this was it. This was what I needed. Some kind words from my friends online helped, that’s for sure, but when it all comes down to it, it’s me and this keyboard. It’s the outlet. I guess I just had to turn the spigot… even a little bit. Just a trickle is all it takes I guess.

That must be that writing consistently thang everyone is always talking about. Hhhmm.. I guess they just might know what they’re talking about… imagine that.

I would like to take an opportunity to thank those in the social media world who have befriended me and in some cases, have kept me sane enough to be insane. This included those few from facebook, twitter, and the boards at scottsigler.com. You know who you are, but I just wanted to say that you’re appreciated and if you happen to be going through a down time, realize that I’m thinking of you. Maybe it will help, maybe it won’t, but it won’t stop me from hoping for the best for you.

Carman, Bill, Shirley, Vanessa, Pons, Paul, John, Jeanine, Beth, JP, Stephanie, Renee, Kali, Kate, Thomas

There are more, but to mention them here isn’t really going to make much a difference.

Well, I guess I’ve rambled on enough. Besides, as Mur would say… I should be writing!

p.s. After writing this tidbit, I slept, as I often do. I woke up this morning refreshed. Actually feeling like I’d slept. It was a welcome change.

I placed the play podcast embed towards the top of the post to have it appear above the “more” tag. It appears that placing another one here at the bottom is problematic. To play the podcast from the embed, please do so from the links up top. If you know how to “not do it this way”, please let me know.

Website = www.jameskeeling.com
email = james@jameskeeling.com
Boom Effect Redux = http://www.jameskeeling.com/?p=195

Thanks for listening, and maybe I’ll see ya tomorrow.

The Boom Effect – Redux

jkeeling — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:56:26 +0000

The Boom Effect – Redux

Every once in a great while, opportunities arise to do great and noble things. The Boom Effect has been one such thing.
One of the great fathers of podcast novelling and social media expert Tee Morris recently lost his wife. He is now raising his five year old daughter as a single parent.

The online community pulled together to raise funds to help him through this difficult time.
The Boom Effect was an online auction held on the 27^th of February to raise monies for a trust for Tee’s daughter (nickname Sonic Boom – Hence the auction’s moniker The Boom Effect). A website was quickly established at WWW.THEBOOMEFFECT.ORG.

One at a time, individuals from the podcasting, writing, and social media communities came forward and donated items to be sold at the auction. Authors donated signed copies of their books, artisans donated everything from quilts to jewelry, Service Professionals donated their time and effort, everything from the writing and production of music, to professional editing services. The range of donations was nothing short of incredible. There were 90 donors. The complete list is available at The Boom Effect.

The auction was streamed live through uStream and interaction and bidding took place within two chat windows. The event was hosted by podcastings very own Rich Sigfrit, along with Billy Flynn, SusanZ, Christiana Ellis, and Mistress Jett. I myself bid and won signed copies of Lost Gods by Drew Beatty and Zombonauts an anthology of short stories about the undead in space. Looking forward to getting those.

According to the site this morning, the event raised $8,343.75 for the Sonic Boom Trust. AWESOME!

The highest thanks and praise however, go to the Kiwi known as Pip. Without her tireless efforts, this event would never have been possible.

So is it all over? Is it too late to do anything to help? No! Of course not.

You can go to either my site or The Boom Effect and donate by clicking on the ChipIn button on the right hand side of the screen.

A complete list of donors is available at the bottom of this post as well as at the Boom Effect website. If you know them or see their names associated with anything, send them a quick thank you.

Posted by James Keeling (James@JamesKeeling.com)
http://www.JamesKeeling.com

This list is comprised of many leaders in the podcasting and new media world as well as some die hard fans. Please thank them for their generous contributions to the Boom Effect.

Aaron Stephens
Alex White
Amy Bowen
Arlene Radasky
Brand Gamblin
Brandon Hill
Brett Miley
Brian Webber
Bruce Press
Carrie Seidman
Charles Blanchard
Cheyenne Wright
Chris Martens
Chuck Tomasi
Cian Mac Mahon
Clint Alvord
Craig Robertson
Dan Sawyer
David Sobkowiak
Diane Severson
DJ Steve Boyett
Douglas Biggers
Drew Beatty
Elizabeth Reisine
Gabrielle Harbowy
Grant Baciocco
Gwen Gades
Helen Madden
James Durham
Jared Axelrod
Jason Pitre
JC Hutchins
Jett Micheyl
John Mierau
Joni Wish
Jossette Nassar
JR Blackwell
Junkers Odiar
Justin Macumber
Katharina Maimer
Kathy McKay
Kim the comic book goddess
Kimi Alexandre
Kylie Sturgess
Lani Tupu
Lara Niedermeyer
Laura and Jason
Laura Burns
Laurie McLean
Liz and Rob Piland
MA in PA
Maggie Bonham
Matt Wayne Selznick
Meghan Bomberger
Melissa Parkinson
Michael Spence
Michelle Quirk
Mick Bordet
Mike Luoma
Mike Plested
Mildred Cady
Morgan Elektra
Matthew Wayne Selznick
Nora Wright
Nuri Steinhauer
On Spec Magazine
Pam in Pantfreesia
Paul Cooley
Paulette Jaxton
PC Haring
PG Holyfield
Phil Rossi
Odin1eye
Rasplundjr
Renee Chamblis
Rhonda Carpenter
Richard Green
Robin Sullivan
Sandra Wickham
Sara Nash
Sheri McGrath
Shirley Bruce
Susie the Southern Geek
Tee Morris
Terry Mixon
Thomas Vincent
Tim Dodge
Tony Mast
Treed
Val Ford
Viv and Chooch

One thing about Tee Morris… He has more tweets than Gandhi has good Karma points.

The Ultimate Hitler Meme YouTube Video

jkeeling — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:53:06 +0000

Anyone who has spent any amount of time paying any attention at all to the spread of viral video and memes that target youtube has seen the countless Hitler parodies. These are numerous and speak to everything from Brett Favre playing for the vikings to Hitler vs. Kahn (ala Star Trek).

Well, now we have one to beat them all. The ultimate Hitler-meme YouTube video.

Props for this go to JC Hutchins and his Podcast entry Here.

Questions, comments, and what-not can be directed to James@JamesKeeling.com
http://www.JamesKeeling.com

Tidbit Allcome! The Boom Effect!

jkeeling — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:04:48 +0000

This tidbit goes out to everyone. For those not familiar with the plight of Tee Morris and his daughter, known to social media addicts as ‘Sonic Boom’, Tee is a Podcast Author Original whose wife recently passed, leaving him a single parent. A collection has been started to help provide for them.
Using Chip-In, over 500 people have contributed to thier future. The Chip-In Widget is available from both my page as well as The Boom Effect. Simply click on the Chip In button to contribute.

Or, you can attend the special Boom Effect Auction happening this weekend! Lots of great items to be auctioned off from a variety of sources. Listen to the announcement and maybe I’ll see you there.

James Keeling
http://www.jameskeeling.com
James@JamesKeeling.com

The Boom Effect: http://www.theboomeffect.org/

Tidbit Extra – Synaptic Jam Reviews the Percy Jackson Movie

jkeeling — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:24:43 +0000

This podcast is a special Synaptic Jam Tidbit Extra. In this podcast I review the new movie Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

As I mentioned in my last tidbit, what you walk away with, from this movie, is heavily dependent, on what you walk in with. The best advice I have is to go into this film with an understanding and appreciation for who the characters are from the novels. Their motivations, and their histories. Past that, let the movie tell you a tale peopled with these imaginative characters. If you’re an experienced PercyJackson-o-phile, and you can still manage to do that, I think you’ll be pleased.

Feel free to comment here on the blog or send me an email.
http://www.jameskeeling.com
james@jameskeeling.com

Synaptic Jam Tidbit #2

jkeeling — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:33:39 +0000

Welcome to Synaptic Jam Tidbit #2!

It’s been a little while since the last tidbit, and I think it’s about time I released another one into the wild.
In this episode I recount how I was pwned by my wife and I send out some Valentine’s day love..
That’s right boys and girls Synaptic Jam got hisself PWNED!

In this tidbit I also reference a video by the ever entertaining TeeHee crew.
Watch the video Here.

Website can be found here: http://www.jameskeeling.com

Email can be directed to James@jameskeeling.com

Sounds used the this podcast generously provided by the FreeSound Project at http://www.freesound.org.

I feel special!

jkeeling — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:03:09 +0000

“SynapticJam has 1 fans”

Yoohoo! Do the happy dance!

One kind soul, bless his heart, actually signed up as a fan for my SynapticJam page on Facebook. Fred Weimer an educator from Great Britain chose to take pity on me. I’ve already added him to my “blogroll” on the bottom right hand side of the page. Here is a link to his Wingdisk blog. Drop by and say hi. I’ve asked him a couple of web style questions and he’s a jolly good chap.

New Site Design!

jkeeling — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:00:04 +0000

Yes, I updated the site design. The other one was very nice, but just wasn’t customizable in the way that I needed it to be.

So this is it! Hope you like it. Please let me know what you think by either emailing me at james@jameskeeling.com or by leaving a comment.

Thank you.

New Facebook Fan Page! Oh, and an update!

jkeeling — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:27:05 +0000

Hey everyone! This is your humble host with a simple update and yet another humble request.

The update is in the audio file, but suffice it to say, it’s all going swimingly. Swimingly, what a wonderful word.

But the Announcement / Request!

In my neverending search for understanding and learning, I’ve finally gotten around to:
’Drum Roll Please….’
Creating a page on Facebook for Synaptic Jam!
Sadly though, I’ve got no fans! Gee, sure sucks to be me. Don’t it! So do me a favor and visit the website http://www.jameskeeling.com and click on the “Become a Fan” link on the right hand side.
Pleeeese…. Don’t make me beg. Cause I will… You know that don’t you!

James Keeling / Synatptic Jam
http://www.jameskeeling.com
email me at James@JamesKeeling.com

Masterpieces of Mystery – May Day Eve (part 3)

jkeeling — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 16:18:59 +0000

Welcome to the third podcast!
I hope you enjoyed listening to the first two parts of May Day Eve. This episode completes the May Day Eve story by Algernon Blackwood. If you have not listened to the first two episodes, please STOP! Go back and listen to them and then come back here.

The first part of May Day Eve can be found HERE.

The second part of May Day Eve can be found HERE.

This story is part of the Masterpieces of Mystery series edited by Joseph Lewis French

If you’ve enjoyed this story, please stay subscribed to the feed so you can receive more content from this series as well as other fiction and whatnot.

Thanks for listening/reading and maybe I’ll see ya tomorrow.

James Keeling

Masterpieces of Mystery

May Day Eve – Written by Algernon Blackwood

Read by James Keeling
For more information visit http://www.jameskeeling.com
Email – James@JamesKeeling.com.

Podcast Novel Founding Father Suffers Loss

jkeeling — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 20:17:59 +0000

One of the founding fathers of the Podcast Novel world has suffered a great loss. Tee Morris of Morevi and Bilibub Baddings fame recently lost his wife Natalie.

From Podiobooks.com:

A loss in the family

Tonight I learned that Tee Morris, my friend and co-founder of Podiobooks.com, suffered the loss of his wife, Natalie. Her passing was unexpected, and Tee now faces the unenviable task of rearing his young daughter, Serena, as a single parent.

Tee was the first author to make his book into a serialized audiobook delivered by a podcast. And though others soon followed independent of Tee’s actions, his “Hey Evo, I have an idea…” phone call in late 2004 was the genesis of what would become Podiobooks.com.

Over the last few years, Tee has taken a less active role in Podiobooks.com, focusing on his career, his writing and his family. He’ll need that time more than ever in the coming days, weeks, months and even years. I’m lucky to count him as a friend and wish him the smoothest journey possible through these trouble times.

http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2010/01/06/a-loss-in-the-family/

From the Scott Sigler site:
Long-time Junkies and podcast fans probably know the name Tee Morris. In addition to being one of the first three fiction podcasters in the history of mankind, he is an author of fiction and non-fiction (most notably Podcasting for Dummies, the bible of podcasting that I recommend to everyone), he is a co-founder of Podiobooks.com and an absolute die-hard Krakens fan (if you’ve seen him, you’ve probably seen him in his Kraken’s jersey — he’s just that dedicated to the orange and the black).
Tee’s wife Natalie passed away yesterday. Very shocking and unexpected. Tee now finds himself dealing with not only the tragedy of losing a spouse, but funeral expenses and the hard fact of being a single dad raising a seven-year-old daughter (known as “Sonic Boom”).
http://www.scottsigler.com/node/3454

Many of us in the community are rallying to help support Tee during this troubling time. If you can, please consider chipping in. Most of can’t even conceive of the loss and devastation Tee is experiencing. We in the Podcast Novel community are here for you Tee.

UPDATE: Astral Audio Productions is producing a Sonnet to help Tee in this difficult time. If you are a podcaster, voice over artist, or even an enthusiast, please follow this link: Astral Audio

James Keeling
Podcast Novel Fan and Author
http://www.JamesKeeling.com
James@JamesKeeling.com

Masterpieces of Mystery – May Day Eve (part 2)

jkeeling — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 04:05:06 +0000

Welcome to the second podcast!
I hope you enjoyed listening to the first part of May Day Eve. The remainder of this particular story will be released in two more episodes. If you have not listened to the first episode, please STOP! Go back and listen to the first episode, well, first.

The first part of May Day Eve can be found HERE.

This story is part of the Masterpieces of Mystery series edited by Joseph Lewis French

Masterpieces of Mystery

May Day Eve – Written by Algernon Blackwood

Read by James Keeling
For more information visit http://www.jameskeeling.com
Email – James@JamesKeeling.com.

Masterpieces of Mystery – May Day Eve (part 1)

jkeeling — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:00:25 +0000

Welcome to the podcast!
In an effort to develop my “chops” and work that podcasting muscle, I am reading for podcast the Masterpieces of Mystery series edited by Joseph Lewis French

The first story we shall be dealing with concerns the mystic.
May Day Eve by Algernon Blackwood is a harrowing tale, I hope you enjoy.

Masterpieces of Mystery

May Day Eve – Written by Algernon Blackwood

Read by James Keeling
For more information visit http://www.jameskeeling.com
Email – James@JamesKeeling.com.

Synaptic Jam Tidbit #1

jkeeling — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 04:46:43 +0000

Welcome to the first Tidbit of 2010!

The first tidbit ever actually. The tidbit will be podcast episodes which feature no ongoing story content.
They will instead feature the little ‘bits of me’ that I want to share with you the listening audience.

This particular tidbit relates primarily to the new year and what we can do in ‘one day’.

Please feel free to listen and leave comments.
The website as always is http://www.jameskeeling.com
the email address as always is James@JamesKeeling.com.
I am as always James Keeling. Thanks for visiting and maybe I’ll see ya tomorrow.

Feedburner and Synaptic Jam

jkeeling — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:48:39 +0000

Greetings from the frozen tundra of Minne-so-cold. Hope you’re doing well.

One of the questions that popped up for me as a new blogger and podcaster was simply this: “How do I know how many subscribers I have?”

Simple you might say? Ha! Hardly. But I’m working through it and have moved my rss feeds over to Feedburner which should hopefully give me much better analytics.
As part of this change, I have installed a plugin to my wordpress site that ‘should’ redirect all feed links to the new location. Let’s hope that works, shall we?

This does of course, assume that someone out there will actually subscribe to this blog/podcast (oh, hi Mom).

Introductions are in order!

jkeeling — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 04:28:49 +0000

In this short podcast, I introduce myself to you.

But not only do I introduce myself, I lay out my broad general plan for 2010. Be sure that more is to come. I’m still feeling my way through this murky world of the podcast and podcast author. Maybe we can take that journey together.

James

To listen to the podcast from this page click on the play button below. You can also download it from here or if you have subscribed to the RSS feed, you will receive it in your favorite podcatcher. To return to the main page click on the words Synaptic Jam by James Keeling above. Of course, after I recorded and uploaded the podcast, I noticed the total and complete lack of an email address. While I work on updating that oversight, please feel free to email me at James@JamesKeeling.com

Well, it’s Saturday morning and where am I?

jkeeling — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 16:19:58 +0000

I’m writing! That’s where! Ha! I’m still working on finishing the Subversion Sacrifice and Salvation story. Once I finish that, I’ll be ready for the editing process which should be a lot of fun.

It’s the refinement aspect of editing that I enjoy. Taking a rough, crudely hewn piece of art and molding it, shaping it into a thing of beauty. Or some such nonsense. A good friend of mine reccommended the Visual Thesaurus to me. It’s a nifty product from ThinkMap. I’ve used it off and on in it’s locked down limited form, but I think I’ll pony up the small purchase price so I can use it unrestricted. That will come in very helpful during editing. You can find more information about the Visual Thesaurus here.

Now. What am I doing writing a post? I should be writing! Shameless plug for a podcaster/writer I admire.

I was hoping to have some additional content in the form of audio for this post, but I just happen to be busy writing and trying to keep my priorites straight. Lots going on. Well take care and I’ll see you planet-side.

Jim/SynapticJam

As an aside: I’m currently listeningn to the latest episode of The House of Grey. Outstanding Podiobook and podcast. Highly recommended.

That’s right! I’m a winner! NaNoWriMo 2009!

jkeeling — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:55:33 +0000

The badge says it all!

30 days – 50,000 words.

I finished at about 11:30pm on the 29th. When I say finished, I mean that I crossed the 50,000 word mark. 50,041 to be exact. In reality, I’m only about 90% done with the story, so I have a little bit of work left to do, but as far as NaNoWriMo is concerned I’ve won. My second time in two years actually.

Subversion Sacrifice & Salvation (working title) sure seems like it’s going to be a fun novel to read. I’m really excited with how it’s gone so far. If anyone is interested or has questions on the writing process for SS&S (I plotted a bit but had no character sketches at all), or any other facet of the process or if you even have any general questions about NaNoWriMo, please leave a comment and I’d be happy to bloviate all over the place. It’s a fast paced frantic challenge for the month of November.

Visit the NaNoWriMo page

Visit my page at NaNoWriMo

Visit the Subversion Sacrifice & Salvation page

Website Maintenance

jkeeling — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:41:33 +0000

The website is currently undergoing maintenance. Parts and pieces may be available or unavailable for ahwile. Flabber!

Alright. That’s enough tweaking. Now go about your business! There’s nothing to see here!

NaNoWriMo Update

jkeeling — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:10:26 +0000

On the second stop of the twin cities nano writing tour. Kickin’ tail. Over 20k words and still going strong.

So, just who is this James Keeling person?

jkeeling — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:37:16 +0000

Some might say I’m handsome, some might say I’m handy. Me? I’d just say I’m everything you’ve ever wished for but couldn’t have. Let’s just leave it at that, shall we?

Like a train thundering down the track!

jkeeling — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:51:47 +0000

Naturally, this train has neither conductor nor brakes. Such things should be expected by now. The week continues apace as I try to prepare for NaNoWriMo which begins on Saturday night at Midnight.

Speaking of NaNo!
Main NaNoWriMo Page - NaNoWriMo
My NaNo Page – SynapticJam at NaNoWriMo
I’m hosting a Countdown to NaNo write-in at the Denny’s on Lake Street in Minneapolis, MN. I’m expecting anywhere from 5 to about 35 writers to be there. Should be a great time! I’ve given them the heads up that we’ll be there and authors on the NaNoWriMo community forums are all abuzz about it. I’ll call it the 2nd Annual Countdown Write-In. Also in the world of NaNoWriMo, the official kick off party is scheduled for Thursday Night 7pm at Nina’s Cafe’ in St. Paul. Be there, or, well, not be there I guess.

Crisis and Shame! I am currently without a laptop! My trusty Dell Inspiron 600M er est kaput! The hinge sets in the bottom unit are all fragged up. UNGH! Been watching ebay for a really cheap for parts laptop to use, but so far, no dice, or more accurately, no deal worth bidding on. I could borrow the wife’s netbook, but I’d rather not as this would show weakness and ensure that I truly am as pathetic as I feel. I need to find some sort of alternative for writing ‘elsewheres’…

More as it happens. As for website development, I can’t seem to find a theme which does what I really want it to. I’ve found quite a few that are really ‘close’, just not quite what I want. I’d really like to avoid having to write my own. Time is a factor. I’ll look at incorporating some additional content into the site soon.

Fare thee well stranger.

Planning and Plotting!

jkeeling — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:32:13 +0000

The new NaNoWriMo novel is starting to shape up. It’s going to be an interesting ride trying to translate it from synapticjam to the written word. I’m thinking about trying to set a personal goal of the 20th to finish NaNo this year. Hope it’s possible. http://www.nanowrimo.org

This is the place! Glad you made it!

jkeeling — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:50:36 +0000

Welcome to the website. This will be the home for all things James Keeling and Synaptic Jam Productions!

FREE PODCAST NOVEL!

FREE PODCAST NOVEL! Yep, it’s free.

FREE PODCAST NOVEL! No, really, it’s free!

We’ll start with the basics. Who am I? Look over HERE to find out!

What are my works? Why, they’re over HERE. What’s my current work and podcast?

I’m glad you asked!

Compensating Controls by James Keeling

This podcast is available both through my site as well as Podiobooks.com and the iTunes store! The podiobooks.com page is located HERE. Podiobooks features a chatter free feed of the novel. If you like the chatter, please subscribe to the Podcast here to get COMPENSATING CONTROLS complete with all my chattery goodness! this novel is complete. mainline it till your heart is content. editing continues on the next two major full length works. more to come. CLICK the “Subscribe RSS” Button on the right to get into the action.

If you haven’t registered for the site, please feel free to click on the registration link on the right hand side of the screen and register for an account.
Click on Register for an account and fill in the requisite form. When done, it will bring you to a dashboard, click on the visit site link located at the top of the page. All comments will be attributed to your new account. Once your account has been created, you can use the simple login/logout box on the right hand side of the screen. Thanks for signing up!

To subscribe to an RSS feed for this site, please click on the RSS Feed icon below. This feed URL can be used in both your favorite reader as well as iTunes.

I am working on a better way of helping visitors subscribe to the website RSS feed as well as the podcast. Updates will be forthcoming.

Please bear with me as I learn the ropes others have climbed already.

The page links are both on the right hand side of the screen as well as down below by hovering over the page names. Please look around. Feel free to leave comments.

If you would like to contact me via email, my address is JKeeling @ JamesKeeling.com.