June 22, 2009
My story, "The Grieftakers" received an Honorable Mention in the 2nd Quarter of the Writers of the Future Contest contest.
- Brennan Harvey
June 19, 2009
My story, "Service" has been held for the final round of consideration. Decision for those stories will be made after July or August.
- Brennan Harvey
May 31, 2009
Thank God for arrogance. I got into a pissing match over on the WOTF forum this week. It seems that the WOTF forum is no longer about sharing information, but about disagreements. That's why I removed it from my links. Anyway, one of the posters over there reamed me pretty good.
It all started out when she invited us to help her out.
"How do you guys handle them?"
Silly me. I tried to help her. I quoted a suggestion I had read by Jack M. Bickham, publishing giant and long-time column writer over at Writer's Digest for years and years. This was her response, and I am quoting her here:
"I never heard of the book and frankly ain't gonna take this guys "rules" seriously. Give me a break."
She was actually referring to Jack M. Bickham, and his book The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes: (And How to Avoid Them). My opinion is that if any writer hasn't heard of Jack M. Bickham, that author is is not a real writer. Anyway, the poster continues, and I quote:
"I do NOT read books of "rules" about writing and I am SURE not going to abide by any such list of rules"
Perfect, unadulterated arrogance.
So, in thinking about this, I'm glad this poster is my competition out there in the publishing universe. If she is not concered about rules and mistakes, whether it is mistake #2-Don't Consider Yourself Too Smart, or #10-Don't Have Things Happen For No Reason, I'm thrilled with that! She's too arrogant to take advice from professionals who have learned to make the writing job easier. I am humble enough to learn these mistakes and avoid them. I'm also smart enough to find out who Jack M. Bickham was and why I should pay attention to him and his suggestions.
Go ahead, anonymous poster. Ignore advice, rules, suggestions, and the like from talented writers. And we'll see who makes it into print first. Oh, wait. I'm already there. Score 1 for humility, 0 for arrogance.
- Brennan Harvey
May 6, 2009
Not much going on this month. Last month was a busy one. Literary Orange, Nebula Awards, UCLA Book Fair, and such. I'm looking forward to settling down a little bit.
My critique group is going through my novel EVE320. So far, the response is pretty positive. It seems I may have pulled off the feminine POV. Time will tell, as they have only seen 1/4 of the book.
- Brennan Harvey
April 26, 2009
Okay, I'm not usually star struck but I was certainly impressed with this weekend's Nebula Awards Weekend. It started off when this distinguished gentleman offered his hand while I was eating breakfast. His nametag read Robert Silverberg. Yeah, that Robert Silverberg--Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master! While he was speaking to others at the table, I noticed another namebadge on another person that read Mike Resnick. He's a personal hero of mine. I introduced myself later that afternoon, but he excused himself rather quickly. Fans can be a bit of a bore I guess.
The highlight of the weekend was when I was introduced to Connie Willis--I couldn't gather the courage to intoduce myself. I'd wander near, then chicken out at the last minute. I'm not usually star struck, but I was so flabbergasted, at first, that I could barely form the word, "Hello." After a couple of minutes, her warmth and charm helped me feel comfortable. She and her daughter were so nice, and I feel my life is a little more complete having met them in person. Thanks Connie, and thanks to your daughter, Cordelia also.
- Brennan Harvey
April 23, 2009
I just completed my weekly goal of 4,220 words and my novel is sitting at 12,459 words. I'm probably not done for the day or the week, but I have the Nebula Weekend on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I'm sure I'm not going to get a whole lot written during that time, so I needed to get my goal done early.
- Brennan Harvey
April 9, 2009
I've started my next novel, rather than concentrate on another short story. I figure that it is better for me to have a couple of novels under my belt rather than dozens of short stories. Maybe I'm wrong. Everyone has "a novel" that they are hocking. By having a couple of novels written, maybe my chances are a little bit better than their chances. I can hope.
So far, I have 3,020 words written. That's 3% in three days. Not too shaby, I think. I can't expect to keep that same output in the future, but I have some numbers figured out. My goal is to have the first draft of the novel ready before the La Jolla Writers Conference in November. The deadline for their private read and critique is October 1, so I need to get the story "finished" in September. At 100,000 words, I need to write 16,667 words per month. That works out to 556 words per day. I figure if I get a minimum of 750 words (3 pages) per day, that gives me some days off (8 per month) to mull over character, plot, and the like.
Last year, I tried for 500 words per day (10,000 words per month) and there was only one day month that I didn't make my quota. I made it back, plus some, the next month. So, hopefully this is doable. It is a 66% increase in output, but if I don't push myself, how will I know what I am capable of?
- Brennan Harvey
March 28, 2009
So, I'm sitting in Starbucks Coffee yesterday. I was feeling quite motivated after finishing and submitting my latest story to the Writers of the Future Contest. The two women who were sitting next to me left after about an hour and another young woman came and sat next to me shortly thereafter. I didn't take notice because I was heads-down into revising my novel, EVE320.
So, coming up for air after writing for about an hour, I noticed that the woman next to me had the smallest computer I had ever seen, and she had a drawing tablet hooked up to her USB port. I said hello and asked what she was working on. She was working on a drawing and I mentioned that I was working on a manuscript. Yeah, okay. We're both artists and we both hang out at Starbucks to do our work. I got back to work, and she did the same. About an hour later, as she was leaving, I decided on to hand her my business card. She, in return, handed me a postcard.
Wow! The front of her postcard blew me away! It was one of her illustrations of a little girl, spying on a supper populated by different animals. It was gorgeous! On the back of the card were three other illustrations, each with a distinctly different feel to them.
The artist's name is Kerry Lynn Valenzuela. And, she's a member of SCBWI. I didn't know what that meant, but she explained that it was The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She illustrates children's stories! If you can use a children's illustrator check out her blog and send her an e-mail. Her work is amazing!
- Brennan Harvey
March 27, 2009
I sent out my current manuscript to the Writers of the Future Contest this morning. Unfortunately, it is an anonymous contest, so I cannot tell you the title, my name, my character's name, their dilemma, the location, the theme, or anything else about it. How is that for frustration?
"I finished a story!"
"What's it called?"
"I can't tell you."
"OK, what is it about?"
"I can't tell you that either!"
"But you wrote it?"
"Oh, yeah!"
"But you can't say anything about it?"
"No. It's a secret."
Maybe I can say something in a few months.
I have to say that I feel pretty good about this one. That being said, you might want to keep a copy of this post. If I lose or anything, I'm probably going to change it to say, "Yeah, I didn't really think it was up to my usual quality of work." We writers are such guarded people.
Wish me luck!
- Brennan Harvey
March 24, 2009
One month ago (Feb. 24, 2009), I wrote in this blog that NASA was holding a naming contest. It seems that the contest was hijacked by Stephen Colbert. He mobilized the Colbert Nation, and they generated over 40,000 more votes than the top NASA offering, Serenity. Now, NASA says it still has the final decision to name Node 3. What a bunch of party poopers!
But wait! It seems that NASA might have a sense of humor after all. They may name a toilet after Stephen. Well done, Nation! Oh, the irony!
- Brennan Harvey
March 8, 2009
I realized something today. I'm getting deep into the writing business. Today at Borders Bookstore, I came across three books. However, these were not ordinary books. These were books by authors that I personally know. People that I communicate with regularly. And their books are out there and available for purchase.
I have writer friends, and it is only a matter of time before I am up there on the shelves with them. That's a life-changing revelation!
- Brennan Harvey
February 24, 2009
NASA is holding a contest to name the new node on the Internationl Space Station. You can see several images of the node and vote for a name on their Help NASA Name Node 3! page. There are also rules for the contest.
- Brennan Harvey
February 19, 2009
There is something uniquely satisfying about hitting the enter key twice and centering the words, "THE END" at the end of a manuscript. I finished the first draft of my Writers of the Future Contest entry. Now comes the fun part--polishing it up, handing it over to my critique group, making it good, and sending it off to WOTF.
I would like to thank Paul Comstock over at the WOTF blog for turning me onto a wonderful website. It's called Advanced Fiction Writing. I have not explored all of it--it seems like mostly a marketing website. However, tucked away in some of the nooks and crannies are essays and articles that are aimed smack-dab at me and my level of writing. I recommend you head over there and see if you can find an article or two that addresses your needs.
- Brennan Harvey
February 17, 2009
I have found my writing groove again. After I started working in Marina Del Rey, I was finding it hard to write. So hard, that I didn't do any writing at all during the whole month of January.
The deal was, I used to get up at 6am, start work at 7am, work until 4pm, then head home for dinner. Then I would write in the evenings, usually 2 or 3 hours a night.
However, my new work schedule, 9am to 6pm--combined with a commute--killed my evening writing time. I still got up at 6am and left at 7am, but now I didn't get home until after 7pm and sometimes 7:30pm. I couldn't find any time to write.
So, I tried something different. I started getting up at 5am and leaving at 6am. This did one great thing for me. It knocked 1/2-hour off of my morning commute. So far, I have not had a bad commute morning yet. <looking around for wood to knock on!> Now, I have almost two hours to write in the morning. Plus, there are two Starbucks' and a FedEx Kinkos nearby my work place, so I have the Internet for research. This is working fantastically! I am one day, maybe two from finishing the first draft for the next Writers of the Future Contest entry.
My advice is, find what works for you, then do it. That goes for writing, or anything else.
- Brennan Harvey
February 6, 2009
I cannot believe it has been almost three months since I last updated this site. I wish I could say it is because I have been frantically editing EVE320, writing the Great American Novel, or the like. The truth is, I've been working at a new job. Commuting almost 80 miles a day--in the Los Angeles basin--past LAX--takes a considerable amount of time out of my day. I've resorted to getting up an hour earlier, leaving the house and hour earlier, and doing my writing at Starbucks. So far, that schedule has worked out well.
A lot has happened that gives me fodder for new characters...
- A trusted "friend" who betrays our hero, for purely selfish reasons, on the eve of a grand journey.
- The ditzy "girlfriend" that wants to date our hero, doesn't want to date our hero, wants to date our hero, doesn't want to date our hero, ad nauseum.
- The devout "Christian" boss that has no qualms about whining for help then screws our hero over for a trivial amount of money he owes him.
I didn't do an iota of writing all of January, but I'm back to work again:
- I've stared revising my short story for the Writers of the Future Contest.
- I'm revising my novel, EVE320, once more.
- I'm registered for Literary Orange in April.
- I'm thinking about attending ConDor again this year. I have not decided yet.
I guess the above means that everything in my life is getting back to normal. Hopefully, I won't delay another three months before updating this site again.
- Brennan Harvey
November 15, 2008
The 25-word synopsis of of my novel EVE320 caused quite a buzz at the La Jolla Writers Conference. It's exciting to see such interest in an idea that I developed. If I can just pull off the story, then I might have something.
This is my second year attending the La Jolla Writers Conference. Antoinette Kuritz and her son Jared Kuritz put on a fantastic event with big names. This year, New York Times Bestselling Author James Rollins, New York Times Bestselling Author Margaret Weis, and New York Times Bestselling Author Christopher Reich were the keynote speakers. I attended two of James Rollins' classes and one of Christopher Reich's classes. They were all excellent.
However, I learned the most important thing from Mark Clements. He had a class called Fear Is The Key. Here is the blurb:
That was revolutionary knowledge for me. I recently got laid off from my job. The girl that I was dating seemed okay with the idea that I was looking for a new job--at first. However, two days after I returned from the conference she broke off the relationship. I realize now that it was her fear that was driving her decision. Even though she had mentioned the importance of a partner supporting her throughout life's roller coaster bumps, her own fear was overwhelming. It prevented her from providing the same support for another person.
Lesson learned? Don't only think about what your character WANTS. Also think about what your character is AFRAID might happen. It'll give you new insight into the mind your character. Excellent class, Mark!
I strongly recommend the La Jolla Writers Conference.
- Brennan Harvey
November 4, 2008
I've redesigned the website using CSS 2.0 (the CSS validates as 2.1--yay!) Further, I'm headed to the La Jolla Writers Conference at the end of this week. I'm anxious about what Eldon Thompson and Margaret Weis (myspace) will say about my EVE320 synopsis and twelve pages.
- Brennan Harvey
Sept 8, 2008
There's a new trailer out for The Writers of the Future Volume 24. Incredible, as usual!
- Brennan Harvey
Sept 7, 2008
I have finished the first draft of my first novel, EVE320! I'm thrilled with the climax, but a little disappointed with the dénouement. I'm not going to worry about that now, as I have a lot of revisions to work on and I'm sure that working on those will help me close the book satisfactorily.
I'm just proud to have a finished piece of work that clocks in at over 95,000 words.
- Brennan Harvey
Aug 16, 2008
The 24th Annual L. Ron Hubbard Achievement Awards for the Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests was not as large as last year. It was held in a meeting room at Author Services, unlike last year when it was held outside at Cal Tech. There was no air conditioning at either place, though.
I was especially impressed with the Illustrating Gold Award winner. She was completely overwhelmed and moved to tears. It's refreshing to see someone so truly humble win.
I also got to meet Stephen Stanley (from the forum) and spoke with K.D. Wentworth. She's an amazingly sweet woman and answered a couple of my dumb questions with grace. I really appreciated that, as well as everything else she does for the contest.
I also noticed that there seemed to be an unusually large amount of Australian accents in this year's speeches. Perhaps those people from Down Under are turning Science Fiction on it's head? Anyway, the Writing Gold Award winner was an Aussie. He got a blue trophy and a red trophy.
I decided last night that I want to win both of those also.
- Brennan Harvey
July 30, 2008
Uncle Orson's Writing Class was a wonderful experience. We had an earthquake back home while I was down there, but I don't regret missing it. Mr. Card was that good!
I'm sure you can find review after review praising how incredible Orson Scott Card's class is. I wholeheartedly agree. Given the opportunity, I'd give him four (plus) times the money to attend his boot camp. I haven't had a chance to try out any of the techniques he presented. Needless to say, I have a lot to change in order to follow his recommendations. For the first time in years, I feel that professional publication is close at hand. Thanks, Uncle Orson!
What amazed me about the experience is that it was held on the grounds of the old Recruit Training Command in San Diego. I drove by the USS Recruit (photo here) every day I was down there. From the hotel, I could see the bridge we used to march, break-step, while crossing (top bridge in the right-hand side of the photo.) We did this to prevent the bridge from collapsing because of the resonance of our footsteps. It's eerie how much the RTC has changed in less than twenty-eight years.
- Brennan Harvey
July 26, 2008
This trailer for Plague War by Jeff Carlson, is incredible. Check it out! It is also available as "Sci fi thriller PLAGUE WAR by Jeff Carlson" on youtube.com. Jeff is a talented SF author, and first-place winner of the Writers of the Future Contest. I've never personally met him, but I saw him at the Writers of the Future Awards Ceremony last year. Please join me in wishing him success with his series. You can find out more about him at the official Jeff Carlson web site.
- Brennan Harvey
July 24, 2008
I'm heading off to Uncle Orson's Writing Class this coming Monday and Tuesday (July 28-29). I missed the deadline for his Literary Boot Camp unfortunately. Orson Scott Card's website is supposed to inform me when there are changes to his site, but I've never received one e-mail about it (no link because--It Doesn't Work.) I've tried to re-register, but every time I do, it says I am already on the list. Bummer. I would have gratefully given him $725.00 to attend the boot camp--If I had been informed that it was so close to me.
Anyway, I'm excited about this opportunity. I really consider it a half-opportunity because the boot camp is what I really wanted. Oh, well. Gotta take what you can get, I guess.
Brennan Harvey
June 21, 2008
I came to a realization today. I'm different from what I was used to be. Today I signed copies of my book, Teacakes and Afternoon Tales for the first time. I was so green that I didn't have the slightest clue what to write. That was weird. Rather than waiting in line to get an autograph, I'm sitting on the opposite side of the desk, giving them away. Further, one woman insisted I sell my personal copy because she wasn't computer savvy enough to order one online.
Some stuff I wrote is part of the ages now and, because of that, people want me to put an extra bit of ink on that work. But, I'm the same person I was last week and last month and last year. It's going to take a while before I get used to this.
- Brennan Harvey
June 16, 2008
I recently got published. The book is a small, independent press number, written for a very select group, the "Gulf Coast Writers Association." The book contain stories about Mississippi, geared toward southern customers. Book signings are being held in places like Biloxi and Mobile. A very narrow audience.
I never thought the publication was a big deal. Small press, small group. Although I was very proud of the publication credit, I didn't get too excited about it. Who would notice such a book, other than the family and friends I decided to share it with?
Surely not my ex-wife from fifteen years ago.
But, two days after I pulled that little book out of the mailbox, I got an e-mail. I didn't recognize the name attached or anything. At first, I thought is was a random person, who read a random story, and wanted to thank the author. Then I thought it was some kind of scam, like the e-mail that wanted to give me a prince's fortune--if I would supply a little information. Then, I realized--she had tracked me down. I LITERALLY read the e-mail twice before it hit home.
I love irony, but not when it hits so close to home.
- Brennan Harvey
June 14, 2008
Guess what I'm holding in my hot little hands right now. Five copies of Teacakes and Afternoon Tales. My name is 3rd down on the back cover! The story is on page 55. Who knew this little exercise, written in 2002, would be a success? I'm hoping I don't get typecast as a "Southern writer" now. You know what it did to Faulkner!
None of my science fiction (to date) has gotten me published. This is probably the ONLY story that I've written that is not speculative in any way. Oh, the irony!
- Brennan Harvey
June 1, 2008
The book is available. Here is the link to Teacakes and Afternoon Tales. My name is on the 4th row, 2nd in. Yay!
- Brennan Harvey
April 6, 2008
I went to Literary Orange yesterday. The highlight was two science fiction sessions where four legendary authors shared ideas about writing. I saw Larry Niven, Gregory Benford, David Brin, and Vernor Vinge. I was so engrossed in what they were talking about, I hardly took any notes. One of them noted that they were all bearded SF authors. When I asked Larry Niven if I should start growing a beard, he suggested I wait until I was famous. I'll treasure that advice, and hope to see him, with my beard, someday.
It is becoming easier to recognize those individuals that are serious about writing. I've been to three conventions/seminars/workshops/etc. and keep running into the same people at each. These are the same people who attend the SCWA meetings on a monthly basis. They suck up information from experts in the field and apply them to their own craft. My short-term goal, now, is to become knowledgeable enough to share my advice and teach classes at these venues.
- Brennan Harvey
March 1, 2008
Way back in November, 2007, I received a call for submissions from the Gulf Coast Writers Association. They were looking for stories about Mississippi. I didn't have any, but I remembered a little story I wrote after I read "To Kill a Mockingbird." It was more of an exorcism to get rid of the southern voice in my head. It had a strong, southern voice, so, I submitted it back on November 5, 2007.
Today, I got an e-mail response from that submission. THEY WANT IT! I'm finally going to be published! I have no other information at this time, but I'm elated at the news!.
- Brennan Harvey
February 16, 2008
"The Song of Maska," my entry into the 1st quarter 2008 Writers of the Future Contest, received an honorable mention. Here is the announcement. I actually got to talk to
Joni Labaqui this time, and that was a real pleasure. Unfortunately, I have been working on my novel, EVE320, and have not been able to concentrate on another story for the 2nd quarter. Maybe the 3rd..
- Brennan Harvey
January 28, 2008
I guess my complaining has changed things over at the Writers of the Future Contest. I was trying to find out where "Honorable Mentions" would be mentioned, and they decided to post them on the blog. Here is my announcement. I have to admit, I was getting a little frustrated with WOTF's treatment of non-winners, but it looks like they may have turned this around. Joni e-mailed me yesterday and asked about a replacement certificate for my finalist entry, 2nd Quarter 2004. I told her I was also eligible for a certificate for the Honorable Mention. She said she would get them both in the mail on Monday. If they got my name right on the website, then it should be correct on the certificates, right? I'm excited about this contest again!
Unfortunately, I don't have a story for this coming quarter. I've been working on EVE320. I wonder if I could drag out "Oasis" again and tweak on that. K.D. said she skips documents that don't seem to have a SF/F element early in the story. This one doesn't. I could probably change that. Hmmmmm. It would be awesome if EVERY SINGLE story I submitted to the contest was recognized. That's the only one that hasn't..
- Brennan Harvey
December 27, 2007
I put another story into the mail for the Writers of the Future Contest. I must be getting old. I included the SASE envelope, but forgot to put the S on the E. Duh! Anyway, I remedied that before it went out. Wish me luck.
- Brennan Harvey
December 8, 2007
I just got my rejection letter for "Bravo Tunnel" from the Writers of the Future Contest. Apparently, they are no longer calling "Quarter-finalists" by that name. Instead, you receive an "Honorable Mention." I wonder where I will be mentioned so honorably! I saw on the WOTF Forum that they did this because there was some confusion about being a finalist in the quarterly contest and being a quarter-finalist in a quarterly contest. Go figure. So, after seven quarters, one conference, and two critique groups, I have not progressed as a storyteller at all. Sad news indeed.
On the other hand, I got my finalist award from the fourth quarter, 2004. Yes, 2004. And my name is spelled wrong. Perhaps Brendon Harvey is a much better writer than I am.
- Brennan Harvey
December 1, 2007
Setzer is doing fantastic! Her BUN and Creat. levels have come way down and stabilized. They're still not in the normal range, but she is stable and eating well. She even gained 6 oz. in the last week! I could not be happier with her progress. The veterinarian said she wanted to see her in another THREE weeks (instead of one week) this time. WOOT!!
- Brennan Harvey
November 29, 2007
I just finished my first draft of another short story. I'm not sure if I am going to submit it to the Writers of the Future Contest at the end of December, or wait until March. I guess I can send it out to a few friends to see what shape it is in so far. I'm not going to mention the name or topic here, since I realized that when I Googled my last title, it showed up all over the place. I'm not sure that's what happened with this quarter but it can't help if, in an anonymous contest, your name and story title pop up on a Google search.
- Brennan Harvey
November 13, 2007
No finalist award for my novelette, "Bravo Tunnel" in the 4th Quarter WOTF contest. The link to the finalists is here. I have not received word on how I've placed yet. I can at least hope that I made it to the quarter-finalist level again. Keep watching for more information.
- Brennan Harvey
November 7, 2007
I know many of you are wanting to hear about my impression of the La Jolla Writers Conference. However, my cat, Setzer, is very ill right now. I have to focus on her for a little while. Check back for more info.
- Brennan Harvey
October 31, 2007
I sent out a revised version of "In the Service of Others" to Tales of the Unanticipated. This one included changes suggested by my SFNovelist.com and Long Beach Writers Meetup groups (see my Links page and my News page if you want more information on these fabulous groups.) I should hear something before March 31, 2008. Wish me luck!
- Brennan Harvey
October 17, 2007
I got elected as the Meeting Coordinator for my SCWA group (for more information on this wonderful group, see my Links page and News page.)
- Brennan Harvey
October 11, 2007
My story arrived and was entered in the WOTF for the 4th quarter. They say results will be available in mid-December. This one has me a little torn. If I place in this quarter, I can attend the ceremonies for the 24th Annual Awards Ceremony next year. However, the 25th Annual Awards is planned to be a grand, spectacular event. It would be incredible to be a part of that celebration. Then again, I would have to wait over a year to attend the workshop and such. Decisions, decisions. If only they would have given me a prize two years ago. All this could have been moot.
- Brennan Harvey
September 27, 2007
I just returned from the post office to drop off my novelette "Bravo Tunnel" for the Writers of the Future contest. Wish me luck.
- Brennan Harvey
September 7, 2007
I just wanted to publicly thank the members of my two critique groups, SFNovelist.com and The Long Beach Writers Meetup Group, for all of their help in critiquing my work. They caught several problems (some serious) that I was not aware of. It's ultimately up to me to integrate their comments into a better story and I hope I'm up to the challenge. If you're not in some sort of critique group, you don't know what you are missing. Put your ego in check and listen to another professional's opinion. You might be pleasantly surprised with the results.
- Brennan Harvey
August 27, 2007
The 23rd Annual L. Ron Hubbard Achievement Awards was an interesting event. It was held at the Caltech Athenaeum, right under the temporary home where Albert Einstein stayed while he was there! Anyway, it's always fun to get dressed up and play adult. I was excited for the winners, but depressed knowing that they made it and I did not. Of course, I didn't even submit for this year. Seeing icons from the world of SF/F was also a humbling experience. So, all in all, it was a mixed bag.
Will I be on that stage next year? I certainly hope so. My motivation is up right now, and I'm polishing my novelette "Bravo Tunnel." I think it's good. I'll find out soon enough what they think.
- Brennan Harvey
August 15, 2007
These are excerpts from two different critiques I received for the same story. They came in less than 16 hours apart...
1. "But I like your style, I'll read anything you want to send me. And seriously, thanks for putting something out there. It's not often lately that I find a workshop story that holds my attention all the way to the end."
2. "Poor writing style with a weak ending left me with a story I really don't feel was worth the time i invested to read."
- Brennan Harvey
August 1, 2007
I just finished my novelette "Bravo Tunnel." This one took a while. I will submit it to WOTF at the end of September. First, I'll submit it to the critique group to see what they think of it. Hopefully, everyone will be back from summer vacation and will give me lots of suggestions for fixing it.
- Brennan Harvey
June 19, 2007
Attention Cloud Nine! You have a new visitor! I just got a review of the first 3000 words of my novel, EVE320, from Victory Crayne, a professional editor:
"I think you have lots of promise as a writer, Brennan. I look forward to working
with you!
"In between the few mistakes I saw, I caught a glimpse of what I call THE TALENT. If
you keep on learning, I predict you will succeed. Bear in mind that I say that for
less than two percent of my clients."
- Brennan Harvey
March 28, 2007
Well, it's obvious I'm not going to finish my short story "Bravo Tunnel" before the 31st. So, my only resolution of the year is now broken. At least I have another 3 months to polish it before I submit it to WOTF at the end of the next quarter. Another 3 months might make the difference between a quarter-finalist and a finalist. You never know.
Wish me luck!
- Brennan Harvey
March 17,2007
I met Ray Bradbury! He spoke at the SCWA monthly meeting. Although he is 87 years old, he still has a lot of spark left in him. He spoke about the genesis of his two books, The Martian Chronicles and The Illustrated Man. He didn't write them as novels, but as a series of short stories. He never realized he had a novel inside him until a publisher suggested that he weave his short stories about Mars together. He said he has always done what he loved doing, and that his success came from that. I think talent helped him a bit. It was an amazing experience meeting him.
- Brennan Harvey
January 1, 2007
Last year wasn't my most productive. Looking for a job consumed most of the year. Then the cats needed attention (you know how demanding they can be.) And all the dishes! Not to mention laundry... It seems like I just wasn't motivated to write. Maybe all the publication rejections had something to do with that. Anyway, I enrolled in some writing/critique groups and am actively writing again. I want to submit another 4 short stories to The Writers of the Future Contest. Anyway, that's pretty much the only resolution I've made this year.
- Brennan Harvey
April 11, 2006
Another Quarter-Final finish for my short story "First Song" in the Writers of the Future Contest. Maybe my writing has plateaued. Gonna take a break from short stories and work on the novel for a while.
- Brennan Harvey
March 27, 2006
I typed my name into Google today, and my web site came up as the number 1 link. Way cool!!! So, I repeated with the following...
Yahoo - 1st
AllTheWeb - 2nd
AltaVista - 4th
WebCrawler - 10th
I didn't show up on the first page of the other ones I tried... including my favorite. I guess I'll be using Google or Yahoo from now on!
- Brennan Harvey
February 1, 2006
Well, my first short story, "In the Service of Others", has now been rejected by all science fiction professional magazine markets. I am currently tightening it up and changing some of the plot. Then, I will start submitting it to the Semi-Pro markets. I hope one of them will give it a chance.
- Brennan Harvey
December 30, 2005
I got an e-mail stating that my short story, "Survival of the Fittest", placed in the quarter-finals of the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest. They said that means that my story was in the top 10 - 15% of all of this quarter's entries.
Maybe there is hope for me as a writer.
- Brennan Harvey
November 16, 2005
Media Mail is a two-edged sword. I went to the post office to find out what happened to a manuscript I mailed on September 30, 2005. They said they had no way record of it, no way to trace it, or even any method set up to monitor Media Mail. It seems to me like is is a wonderful way to "lose" stuff.
The same day, I got an e-mail from the publisher saying they finally received my manuscript. Six weeks later. It's almost funny.
- Brennan Harvey
October 23, 2005
Well this website serves two purposes. First, I hope to be a published author sometime in the future. Second, my web design skills are a bit rusty, so I decided to break out the old Flash and GoLive stuff and play around.
Motivation to write has been noticeably absent lately. I wonder if this is a sign that I am not a real writer. I hope it is because I am looking for work and that is occupying a good majority of my time.
I have a pretty good idea (at least I think it is) that I am working on, but getting the particulars right in my head is proving difficult. Maybe when it finally comes together, I will be able to pump it out rather quickly.
- Brennan Harvey