WCMarchese

WCM: Last week we discussed Black Friday, this wonderful American tradition where people punch and kick their way to great steals and deals. Unbelievable. They would even go so far as to strike a child with a shoe. JD: but it's a tradition that offers countless examples of how savage we can be just for some discounts. Want them discounted PS4s? Best be packin heat. It would be nice if people had enough sense to NOT bring their babies! Anyone thinking a baby would shield them from ape shit aggression is just a damn fool. WCM: This despicable tradition even moved into Europe, where the retail industry has been taking advantage of the sales. The only difference is they don’t go as crazy as in America. Though, I have to say, even though I’ve seen a few articles depictingthe treachery, I know it’s not the case everywhere. Some stores have safeguards to stop the madness. But enough of this. We discussed Emenem and how he is mad Trump isn’t paying attention to him. JD: Eminem trie...

I'm thinking how things aren’t always as they seem. You find some writers fluff themselves up with accolades and other “achievements,” yet they never appear to be anywhere.  I bring this up not to put those artists down, but to put some at rest when it comes to how they perceive themselves. I co-host a radio show, The Deadman’s Tome podcast. I like to think of it as a literary program meets sort of shock jocks, as they are called. We laugh, express our opinions, and interview guests—mostly authors. One week we had on Jonathan Maberry. What a show that was. I came ready with questions to ask. And even a guy who has had as much success as Jonathan didn’t sweat the small things. I asked what he thought about followers, and he said he just follows who he wants and it’s really just to start conversations. He actually follows more than follows him. (Which proves a point about that following scam a lot are doing where people you know nothing about have tens of thousan...

This Monday I'm thinking about how close the holidays are. How fast this year went. All the times I wished my life away by wanting the work day to go by fast.  Whatever holiday you celebrate, it is a time to come together with family and be grateful that we're all here another year.  It's important for a writer to know they have someone there for them. Sometimes writing can be a secluded task. To know someone is there when you come out of that sequestered zone in your mind is comforting. Some don't have that. But there is always someone.  It's important to make acquaintances, or friends, as well. It can get pretty lonely in this line of work.   If they aren't there for you, then they aren't true friends at all. And if family doesn't care? Well, that's something you have to decide. But probably not worth the effort.  Support can be the difference between having the courage to submit, or procrastion and fear. It's not easy being a writer. I...

This Black Friday I'm playing it cool and checking out sites for sales. Cyber Monday, as well. I don't like shopping in retail stores as it is, imagine when there are a ton of people fighting to get at sales.  Not for me.  I'm working anyway. Should be slow, so i'll catch up on some writing and editing.  Things didn't go as expected with my Turkey. The aluminum pan I used for my mammoth bird had some sort of slit in the bottom and all the chicken stock leaked out as I inserted it all into the oven. Mixed juices went everywhere. I was pissed. Badly. Chef Ramsey comes to mind. Though I might have made him blush.  Everything I tried to do did not work. My wife and I decided to run to the supermarket. We needed a few things, anyway.  Other things Hindered my goal, but I persevered. And that is my point in this post.  You don't give up because of a set back--not even a major one. Because these times are what define you on the road to your dreams. The...

If you're like any other writer, things can feel as though a blindfold grips your sight and the lights are out--no peeking. You seek with hands that never touch anything,desperate for the slightest indication there are others around. But it doesn't have to be like that. Writing is a learning process. I look back and can see my writing progression. It's cool, and sometimes cringe worthy, to see my development. But you can always learn from it.   I've scoured writing magazines, done continuous research on website and within huge books about agents and such.  But you can't just listen to anyone. Sometimes, even though they may be right with some of the downfalls of your writing, they may go too far with it. You don't want them to steer you in the wrong direction. If enough people say the same thing, then you may want to tweak what you're doing. But don't take one person's critique to heart.  See, sometimes someone can give you advice that pushes...

This week is Thanksgiving in the States and everything is winding down. People slowing and getting ready to see family in other states, or simply at home. There is a rush to leave at certain points, but it's not too bad--unless you are the one in the traffic. I have thanks because I was going to send a story out and asked some fellow writers to beta before. Good thing I did.  It was sort of a let down, when I realized how much work lay ahead. But no one said this would be easy.  Plus, the suggestions by by buddies Gary Buller and Jesse Dedman were awesome and just what I needed to go off in another direction. Sometimes that's just what you need, a different perspective.  The world is moving fast, kids, spouse, work, etc. Sometimes we can't think if things because our minds are wound up so tight. But then along comes that spark and bam!  Now, this Monday, I type this out on my phone while I shove a donut and coffee down my throat, and mentally plan out w...

One more week until Thanksgiving. Next Musing will be Black Friday. I’ll work that day, but it will be like getting paid for nothing. The highways are free flowing and Manhattan is a ghost town. Well, except for retail outlets. Those I wouldn’t go within at least a 30 foot radius. Even though there are things wrong with it, and we probably won’t even fully understand what those things are for years to come, I still find solace in shopping online.  Last week I had a story release in Aphotic Realm  Banished . I'm pushing hard on the final level of a story I’m working on for Crystal Lake Publishing titled The Cat . And I'm almost done with editing the stories for Deadman’s Tome  Christmas Cthulu.  So many things going on, you’d think I was doing a full time job, but all that goes on in between (lunch) and after (editing until I wake up at 2 in the morning wondering why my phone is in bed with me, or why my laptop has been drained). The main job keep...