Coordinating OryCon's Writer's Workshop requires lots of work. Of this, I had no idea about back in February. Since then, writers (Thank goodness for writers!) have signed up and sent in their delightful stories, authors and editors (Thank goodness for authors and editors!) have agreed to spend some time critiquing those stories, and I still have most of my hair left (Thank goodness for hair salons!).

I've only lost one pro author and am working hard to find a last minute replacement (no dice so far -- dang convention timing).

Over the past two months, I've put to bed no less than five books read cover to cover including a short story anthology that turned my confused, blocked thinking of structure and plot on it's ear. Combined with taking to heart all the notes I took while listening to a wonderful local author speak, twice, no three times I think now, I think I finally get it. Combine all that with my continued 'Ix-nay on the critiques-nay' and I think I just might survive to write, actually write something new, another day.

In the meantime, with OryCon 31 only ten days away, I'm done reading and working on final edits on The Car Novel. It feels great. If you see me at OryCon and I'm not meeting, greeting, directing, volunteering, taking notes, helping out, dancing, or hanging out at BarCon, I should be working on edits. And if I'm not, you're welcome to ask me why.

Learning how to separate Life Stuff from not letting Life Stuff get in the way of end goals. Harder than anything I've ever done in my life.

Today, after battling with our broken washer yet again (it's a goner for certain now), I discovered something that has put definite Squee! back into my step.

I did well in Ken Scholes' 200 word "The Tim Machine" contest. The contest was judged by three distinguished writers: maryrobinette, princessalethea, and jaylake.

I was just mentioning, reminding, Steve that Ken's latest book, CANTICLE" was getting ready to make it's debut and it was the one book purchase budgeted for this fall/winter. One guess as to what one of the contest prizes was.

OMG with Raspberry sauce on the side! An ARC copy of CANTICLE! THANK YOU, KEN! THANK YOU JUDGES!

Trust me, much dancing will occur throughout the rest of the week. MUCH dancing.

Please stop by Ken's LJ post here to read most of the other stories entered. All are incredible. All made me wish I were a better writer. To be included in this group is every bit as exciting as winning. Bravo to all!

Ken asked on his LiveJournal page if I might post my story. Here it is:

The Tim Machine
by C.S. Cole

Timmy sat on a bent bicycle overlooking Deadman's Curve. The night smelled like wet dirt, the deep desert after a soaking rain, Mama said. Like pussy, Trea added, not so much under his breath.

Trea was going through a phase, Mama said. Had Timmy's father been there, he'd have smacked him and Trea alike; Trea for saying pussy, Timmy for giggling because c'mon, everyone giggled at the word pussy.

Trea's phase came after the accident. Anyone who survived a 300 foot drop duct-taped to a bicycle is bound to come out the other end with an interesting tale to tell.

As time passed, Trea grew quirkier. He didn't sound like the little brother Timmy knew. The accident aged him somehow, made him into an old man rather than the six year old he was, wherever he now was. Mama said he hopped a train for Nebraska. Timmy wanted to go to Nebraska too.

Timmy watched a moth flicker in the dim light of the bike's LED headlight. With nervous hands, he pulled on the roll of gray tape. Below, the drop off gleamed against the blue-white glare of an approaching train and from where he sat, Timmy heard the whistle.

A big THANK YOU to all writers who sent in a manuscript for OryCon 31's Writer's Workshop.

In a few weeks, your manuscripts will be assigned to and sent to professional authors and other workshop participants to read and critique. Once that happens, I'll email each of you with additional information. As we get closer to November's OryCon, I'll send out reminders on when and where your workshop will be held.

Thanks again for supporting OryCon. I look forward to meeting each of you. If you've sent in a manuscript and you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

A few hours remain in the September 4th deadline for getting your short story or novel excerpt manuscript submitted for November's OryCon 31 Writers Workshop. We've still got room for yours but you'll have to hurry! To be included, send your work and/or inquiries to:

ww@orycon.org

Manuscript-formatted submissions of Science Fiction, Fantasy, or Horror short story or novel excerpts are limited to 7500 words. Each submission requires a cover letter of 300 words or less. Novel excerpts require both a cover letter and a synopsis of 500 words or less.

Electronic submissions via email attachment are now required due to the late date. The fee is $10.00 per submission. Write to the above email address to find out where to send your fee. Writers must have an OryCon 31 membership to attend and participate in Writer's Workshop.

Please visit OryCon's Writer's Workshop guidelines page for proper manuscript example, email submission address, and all other details at:

http://orycon.org/orycon31/writers/writers.php

A BIG THANKS go out to everyone who has submitted work so far. We hope to see yours soon!

Just a day and a half remains to get your short story or novel excerpt manuscript in to be included in the OryCon Writers Workshop. There have been lots of inquiries and a good number of manuscripts sent. We've still got room for yours too! Last day for submissions is midnight, Friday, September 4th. Send yours to:

ww@orycon.org

Manuscript-formatted submissions of Science Fiction, Fantasy, or Horror short story or novel excerpts are limited to 7500 words. Each submission requires a cover letter of 300 words or less. Novel excerpts require both a cover letter and a synopsis of 500 words or less.

Electronic submissions via email attachment are preferred. Submission fee is $10.00 per submission. Write to ww@orycon.org to find out where to send your submission fee. Writers must have an OryCon 31 membership to attend and participate in Writer's Workshop.

Please visit OryCon's Writer's Workshop guidelines page for proper manuscript example, email submission address, and all other details at:

http://orycon.org/orycon31/writers/writers.php

We hope to see yours soon and I hope to see you at this year's OryCon in November!

Just a week remains to get your short story or novel excerpt manuscript in to be included in the OryCon Writers Workshop. There have been lots of inquiries and a few manuscripts sent. We've still got room for yours too! Last day for submissions is Friday, September 4th. Send yours to:

ww@orycon.org

Manuscript-formatted submissions of Science Fiction, Fantasy, or Horror short story or novel excerpts are limited to 7500 words. Each submission requires a cover letter of 300 words or less. Novel excerpts require both a cover letter and a synopsis of 500 words or less.

Electronic submissions via email attachment are preferred. Submission fee is $10.00 per submission. Writers must have an OryCon 31 membership to attend and participate in Writer's Workshop.

Please visit OryCon's Writer's Workshop guidelines page for proper manuscript example, email submission address, and all other details at:

http://orycon.org/orycon31/writers/writers.php

We hope to see yours soon!

We Need YOU for the OryCon Writers Workshop!

OryCon's Writers Workshops are small session workshops for either experienced or beginning writers based on manuscripts submitted now through September 4th, 2009. These workshops provide OryCon members the opportunity to have their manuscripts evaluated by selling writers and industry professionals who enjoy helping them grow as writers. Many of these professionals have taught at residency workshops, such as Clarion, or in creative writing programs.

There is a nominal entry fee that covers workshop expenses. The fee is $10.00 and will be payable through arrangements with the OryCon Writer's Workshop coordinator. Payment secures your slot.

All manuscripts must be submitted in advance, since there will be no on-the-spot reading for critiques. The manuscripts will then be circulated to both the participants and the professionals. Each workshop session will ideally consist of submissions from two participants. A workshop session lasting one hour will be a critique of both submissions, or critique with directed instruction, at the discretion of the professionals in each session.

Please prepare to attend your session, which will be assigned weeks in advance of the convention. Due to the critical nature of this workshop, it is not recommended for anyone under 18 or anyone who is sensitive to criticism.

1. Electron submissions for OryCon 31 is preferred. The email address is ww@orycon.org

2. Fiction manuscripts may be either short stories or novel excerpts. Stories must be science fiction, fantasy, horror, or have a fantastic element of some kind.

3. Submissions should be in English language.

4. Manuscript submissions may have up to 7,500 words; shorter lengths are encouraged. Manuscript format should conform to general professional submission standards (an example is viewable from the OryCon 31 Writer's Workshop web page). Novels excerpts must also include a synopsis covering the entire plotline. The synopsis word count will not exceed 500 words.

5. Your email can be your cover letter. Cover letters will not exceed 300 words and should include any previous sales and any workshops you may have attended. The cover email should also include your name, address, and phone number.

The deadline is now. Don't delay. No submissions can be accepted after Friday, September 4th to allow for reading and assignments.

Email ww@orycon.org for more information or visit the OryCon 31 Writer's Workshop web page at http://orycon.org/orycon31/writers/writers.php

Laptops and ice cold tea in the shady garden. The sounds of birds in the trees and kids splashing in the pool. The smells of neighbors' barbecuing, yet again. Ah, summer surrounds us.

But before we know it, autumn will have arrived in Portland, Oregon with its cool, foggy mornings and the faint scent of wood smoke and crisp apples in the air, and that means its OryCon time!

Portland's OryCon 31 (November 27-29, 2009 - Yes, that's Thanksgiving weekend) is looking for a few good writers for its Writers Workshop. Submissions are now open and run through Friday, September 4th. If you are attending OryCon 31, this is a great opportunity to receive friendly but frank critiques of your work by pros in small group settings.

Manuscript-formatted submissions of Science Fiction, Fantasy, or Horror short story or novel length excerpts are limited to 7500 words maximum and require a cover letter of 300 words or less. Novel excerpts additionally require a synopsis of 500 words or less.

Electronic submissions are preferred.

Submission fees are $10.00 per submission. Writers must have an OryCon 31 membership to attend.

E-mail Carole Cole at ww@orycon.org for fee and hard copy mailing address, and please visit OryCon's Writer's Workshop guidelines page at http://orycon.org/orycon31/writers/writers.php for further details and instructions.

OryCon 31's official website: http://orycon.org/orycon31/

OryCon 31 Writer's Workshop opens for manuscript submissions this Saturday, August 1st, 2009. That's right around the corner!

Greetings from OryCon 31's Writer's Workshop. *waves hand*

The deadline to the Orycon 31 Writer's Workshop is fast approaching. There's still plenty of time to join us. Details for the submission process are up on the Orycon 31 website at:

http://orycon.org/orycon31/writers/writers.php

If you have any questions about submitting your work, go ahead and shoot me an email.

If you aren't quite ready to submit to the workshop this year, there is another opportunity to have your work critiqued. The third annual Orycon ORCs (Open Read & Critiques) are planned for both Friday and Saturday afternoon of the convention. This is a different, more convention-friendly time from previous years. The Open Read and Critique sessions are a helpful place to have the opening of your story critiqued by your peers. ORC Details are up on the OryCon 31 website as well at:

http://orycon.org/orycon31/writers/orc.php

Got questions? I probably have answers. I look forward to hearing from you!

Good luck!

Carole Cole
OryCon 31 Writer's Workshop Coordinator

Twelve days until the OryCon 31 Writer's Workshop opens for short story and novel submissions. Submissions will be accepted through Friday, September 4th.

Manuscript-formatted submissions of Science Fiction, Fantasy, or Horror short story or novel excerpts are limited to 7500 words. Each submission requires a cover letter of 300 words or less. Novel excerpts require both a cover letter and a synopsis of 500 words or less.

Electronic submissions via email attachment are preferred. Submission fee is $10.00 per submission. Writers must have an OryCon 31 membership to attend and participate in Writer's Workshop.

Please visit OryCon's Writer's Workshop guidelines page at http://orycon.org/orycon31/writers/writers.php for correct manuscript example, email submission address, and all other details.

If you have any additional questions not found on the website, ask away.

Portland's OryCon 31 Writer's Workshop (November 27-29, 2009) opens for manuscript submissions August 1st through September 4th. This is a great opportunity to receive friendly but frank critiques of your work by pros in small group settings.

Manuscript-formatted submissions of SciFi, Fantasy, or Horror short story or novel length excerpts are limited to 7500 words and require a cover letter of 300 words or less. Novel excerpts additionally require a synopsis of 500 words or less.

Electronic submissions are preferred.

Submission fees are $10.00 per submission and writers must have an OryCon membership to attend.

E-mail Carole Cole at ww@orycon.org for fee and hard copy mailing address. Visit OryCon's Writer's Workshop guidelines page for more information and details.

http://orycon.org/orycon31/writers/writers.php

YES! I knew there had to have been a reason for all those months of *cough* background processing on The Car Novel. Yesterday morning, I awoke with how to fix a plot point. Sure, it's a minor plot point now, but it'll come into play nicely about halfway through the book. So glad I didn't completely delete it from the ms. Now it makes sense (at least, to me it does).

Today's a heavy writing day, as all Tuesdays should be IMO, and this morning, I've already received my prompt. Have you ever had seemingly odd or magical things happen to you while working on a piece that you're certain are signs that the story wants to be written, no, must be written? Every time I pick back up working on The Car Novel, spechul car things happen to me.

I'll walk into a bookstore and over the speaker system, a nondescript song will end and some tune from the 50's will start up, common tunes that are blared over the parking lot sound systems of any car show on any weekend across this country. More often than not, it's The Diamonds' Little Darlin'." Love that song.

Or I'll be perusing the car magazine section of a grocery store (can't afford to buy any but have, upon occasion, read more than just a few cover-to-cover), and overhear grown biker-attired adults comment about the lack of auto-oriented fiction (actually happened - twice).

Or I'll run into someone I'd admired from years ago who remembers my car show days and the conversation turns into an invite to come show or judge or just hang out and talk cars. To look at me, not many would believe I'd want to do that, but I do, often.

This morning, a custom-painted truck I've seen for years at a many shows around the area drove down our street and back up again out of the development. We live in an unique enough area in our development to be able to watch the comings and goings in and out of the neighborhood. This truck didn't belong here, has never been here as far as I know, but there it was regardless, all shiny with flames and pinstripe (be still, my pounding heart!), slammed close to the ground, taunting me to keep writing and get The Car Novel done.

What kind of slacker idiot would I have to be to deny the car world that?

Vroom, Vroom!

I'm happy to say heavy editing/rewriting through to Chapter Seven on The Car Novel has taken place. Sadly and simultaneously, I seemed to have lost the ability to distinguish between past and present perfect tenses so yet another edit will need to occur before all is said and done. Can't have everything, I guess.

In addition, my husband's job has gone from Level 3: Worrisome to Level 4: Interesting with an orange OMG! exclamation point over the weekend. Personal Financial Threat Advisory is elevated. The screeching sound you may hear in the not-so-far-off distance is the sound of heavily applied brakes. Looks like we'll be staying close to home for the next year or so with the exception of attending OryCon this November. Beyond that is anyone's guess.

So close. I felt we were so close to squeaking through all this nearly unscathed.

Orange Glo and OxiClean Pitchman Billy Mays has died. Anyone keeping count?

But in other news, more edits and rewrites happening today on The Car Novel. I've got yet another reason to finish this novel and Billy Mays has nothing to do with it.

Wow. Ms. Fawcett and Mr. Jackson both in the same day. Freakish.

431 words so far plus edit, edit, edit. I'm still thinking about Chapter five and a half but I can't let that necessary writing stop the forward motion through the editing of Chapters 6-8. More car polishing will, no doubt, occur sometime tomorrow.

Tonight, Powell's Cedar Hills. Tomorrow evening, INK.

Early Saturday morning, My car and I will be at a particular weigh station along highway 26 toward Mt. Hood helping out with a big car club event. My advance apologies to the lovely nearby town will that will be overrun with feisty older gentlemen and their wives driving colorful Corvettes between the hours of 8 and 10 a.m. Don't blame me. I didn't set up this thing up.

Finally, because I needed a break, here's a shot of my work space today. Outside, the fountain is splashing, the birds are singing, the tomatoes growing at long last. If it gets any prettier out there, I'm gonna have to close the curtains.

Bang, Crash, Bang!

After a year and a half of practice, five to nine hours a day, seven days a week, none of the next door Renter family's three kids have mastered the skateboard Ollie. Doesn't prevent them from trying and with school now out, Bang! Crash! Bang! is the tune I hear all day long. Even behind tightly shut doors and windows. Obviously, I need to start blaring disco music.

The scary thing is, constant skateboard noise is the least of our neighborhood's problems with this family.

But moving on, I didn't feel like writing at all today (little wonder with all the noise - I said, move on, Cole.). I might have been too wrapped up in getting things ready for OryCon's Writer's Workshop. And then the thought of making homemade pesto for dinner (basil's always a treat!). And tomorrow evening, going to Powell's Cedar Hills location for P.R. Frost's Faery Moon book signing.

All good things. But really, I think I'm background processing Chapter five and a half I feel I need to cough up before I can move ahead on The Car Novel. Hey, I know! I'll use an old trick that always got me to thinking. Don't know why I didn't think of it sooner. My car needs another coat of swirl remover and polish. Must be the grape Kool-Aid smell of the stuff that fires up the ol' brain cells.

Live from Portland's Fat Straw. The Car Novel, Chapter five, the SOB chapter. Literally. Revealing more Protagonist personality, upping conflict, fleshing minor characters and day-to-day life at the shop. Trying not to listen to Fat Straw life (which is remarkably quieter than Fireside was plus extra bonus points for having better music).

Trying not to worry about anything that may or may not be going on outside on the side street. Can't be much worse than hitting that bouncing soda can on the freeway at 70, right? Okay, don't think, don't worry. It'll all be fine. Get back to work.

Chapter six. Still on Protagonist. Probably ought to switch to Antagonist view, particularly since Chapter five was long. Need to watch that Antagonist. That guy will take this novel over and can run like the wind. This isn't his story alone. Knock it off, Floyd.

Obviously, I need a Chapter five and a half if I'm going to break this up. Gonna have to think about this. Naturally, I didn't bring my twenty-pound stack of notes. Okay fine. Make a notation. Move on. Chapters six, seven, and eight are waiting.

Thought I was going into a bit of a relapse with the cold late yesterday. Sinuses clogged up so tight, I had to walk around with my mouth hanging open just to breathe. I didn't eat any dairy or anything else that should have caused my nose to go off again but it sure felt as though someone had shoved a bowling ball up there. ::shifts eyes:: A fifteen-pound ball, if you must know.

After a rip-roarin', nose-honkin' good time this morning, I feel back on the road to recovery. Enough of this. I'm bored to tears with it.

Spent an hour talking with The Husband about writing, his writing specifically like I'm wont to do more often than not, and we've come to the conclusion that he's a 'fits and starts' kind of writer. Therefore, me being on his case about not writing every day, hell, let's call it what it was, not jotting down a thought, an idea, a single sentence or simple, solitary word every day, day in and day out, something I thought we both once felt was the necessary daily activity toward becoming a writer, is hurting his desire to write more than helping.

Huh. Should have anticipated that revelation coming.

I probably ought to let him live his own writing life and stick to my own. A little tough to do since we're in a writing group together. But I'll learn and will continue to learn.

Cruising into The Car Novel this afternoon...just as soon as the roasted cauliflower comes out of the oven. Can't smell it but my stomach knows it's past lunch time.