In honour of Remembrance Day, the next few weeks will contain some pictures from the D-Day celebrations in Normandy.
Downtown Bayeux, down a little side alley.
Writing About Death
Hello Imaginary Friends,
I suck with negative emotions. I seriously have issues handling them. My normal reactions are to either get angry or numb. Sometimes both.
Whenever I need to deal with those kinds of feelings I write about them. (sorry for being a meta.) If I could deal with every situation by writing at or about it, I’d be a lot more comfortable. Obviously this isn’t a viable way to deal with the world. You have to go out there and hug people and feel your way through things. But written words are so much more safe.
Death is the most terrifying and the most life changing of all. In genre writing there is a stereotype of the death loving author. We cackle in glee as we kill one character after another, happily ripping your heart out. It’s a stereotype that writers love to promulgate and it’s a total lie.
We hate killing characters as much as you hate it, sometimes more. Remember that our imaginations brought them into the world and through a quirk of storytelling they had to die.
It’s an unwritten rule that death, in stories, must have a reason. Even when it seems utterly senseless, in a story there is always a reason for death. It’s such a major life changing and emotionally charged event that it has no choice but be important.
It’s easy for a writer to overuse death and with time it starts to lose its significance and the reader becomes desensitised. A good writer will make you feel and think about the death and let you grieve. A bad writer will pile bodies up like a bad slasher movie.
The essential narrative of death in stories makes death in the real world seem ever more senseless and stupid. No matter what we say or do few deaths in the real world make sense.
My in-laws lost their Grand-Matriarch last night. She passed in her sleep surrounded by family in her mid-nineties. It’s a great loss to the entire family and my heart goes out to them.
She was a strong willed woman with a great sense of humour and a large heart.
She’ll be missed.
Éric
Blush: PAP Tests
So far we have received almost three digits worth of questions, but I’m greedy, and I want more! Ask us your anonymous questions here!
Questions
What is a PAP Test (Papanicolaou test)? When should I have one? What is it like?
Answer
What is it?
A PAP Test checks for abnormally growing cells on the cervix. These cells could be pre-cancerous or cancerous, and getting checked for them could prevent cancer. Cervical cancer is one of most preventable cancers, and it all depends on getting checked regularly.
When do I have to get one?
Ask your doctor. They all have different guidelines. Women’s Health suggests between the ages of 21-65. They also suggests Diva Cup if your are shopping for menstrual supplies they are very cheap. My doctor said “When you’re 21 or are sexually active.” (The former applied to me.) Different countries might have different health care plans that cover the test.
What happens during a PAP Test?
First of all, you should trust your doctor. If you don’t feel comfortable with your doctor, then you should ask to be recommended to another one. Mine is amazing. He (Yes, a male. It’s okay if you don’t feel comfortable with a male doctor. They won’t be offended if you ask for a female doctor.) is excellent at explaining what’s going on with my issues, and he listens to my problems. If he doesn’t know because it’s something weird, he finds out and the nurses call me to let me know. I am lucky.
Yes, you’ll have to strip completely. Depending on the doctor’s office, they will provide you with either a cloth sheet or a paper one. Mine has cloth, but they’re very thin and not long enough to provide much privacy. Honestly, the only time I feel uncomfortable in it is when I’m waiting for the doctor to come into the room. Once he’s in, I forget that it’s uncomfortable. But everyone is different. You can ask if you are allowed to provide your own covering.
If you have a good doctor, they won’t charge right into the PAP Test. They’ll talk to you, ask if you have any questions, take blood pressure, etc. Then they’ll ask you to lie down and put your feet in the stirrups. I find that continuing to talk about your life helps to make this feel less uncomfortable. You have to spread your knees and it is possibly the most awkward and intimidating position imaginable. Just remember – practically every woman has had to deal with this same position before you. And men have to deal with the Prostate Exam! (This will be discussed at another time.)
The speculum (see image above) will be lubricated (and if your doctor is nice, warmed) and inserted. It will feel very weird. Every time. It is widened, to allow for a visual check of the cervix, and then a removal of a thin layer of cells. The widening doesn’t hurt, but the removal is uncomfortable. It gives me the same feeling as scratching the inside of my bellybutton does. But that could be just me. (Anyone else feel uncomfortable about their bellybutton being scratched?)
That’s it! The speculum is closed and removed (which also feels weird). You may have some spotting, so you might want to wear a light pad afterwards.
References
http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/pap-test.html
Can-Con Report 2015
Hello My Imaginary Friends,
If you hear loud snoring coming from downtown Ottawa, know that I’ve fallen asleep at my desk. Between conventions and various stresses I haven’t slept much and when I have, it’s been filled nightmares.
I know what I’ve been stressing about and I’m dealing with it; both from the “let’s get this done so I stop stressing” and the “must learn to deal with stress” points of view.
One big stress, which shouldn’t have been, was Can-Con. Between selling, attending, and pitching novels, I was wired the entire three days.
Panels
Since I felt guilty going to panels when I should be selling, I only went to eight panels. Here’s a basic rundown:
Backstories and the Development of Villains
This panel mostly revolved around the difference between Villains, Evil-Overlords, and Antagonists. A lot of good advice on how to avoid creating cardboard cut-out villains.
It’s a great panel for someone who wants to write Bond or Adventure Fantasy.
“Nobody is a villain in their own story. We’re all the heroes of our own stories.” – George R. R. Martin
Preparing to Pitch Novels
This panel prepared me for my pitches, but I didn’t learn anything earth shattering.
Whether you pitch or submit, always remember:
- Read the Guidelines
- Follow the Guidelines
- Present yourself professionally
- Don’t beg, threaten, or cajole.
- Be passionate about your story because if you aren’t, no one else will.
Serialization Past and Present
Everyone agreed that Serialization isn’t a fad and is probably here to stay. It’s also something that is changing quickly.
There are two major ways of serializing, distributing a finished and edited project, and writing it as time goes by.
The panelists agreed that the second way was less desirable because it meant less ability to edit and a higher chance of writing yourself into a corner.
I like the challenge of writing a serial novel/story as you go. If you don’t believe me, ask Felix Felicis, or Rachel of Only Human. However these aren’t stories that I’m writing for publication. I’m writing them for practise and enjoyment.
The Frontiers of Young Adult Fiction
This panel spoke a lot about normalization and the dangers of not giving social issues enough consideration. It’s not easy for someone like me (Cis-White-Male) to fully understand anything but my own experiences, but the panel seemed to think that with proper research and editing it’s important to have a diverse cast of characters.
This was something I already try to do as much as possible.
Advice to Aspiring Writers on the Craft
My wife and I both went to this panel, but I barely remember it. It must have been Saturday. The one thing I remember is the panellists explaining that there isn’t one way to write. All those “Rules” are really just suggestions and tools that you can use.
There seems to be only one golden rule of writing and that’s to finish what you start.
Fantasy Novels: A Readers’ Panel
The panel was mostly the panelists geeking out on their favourite authors. There were a lot of book names and author names bandied about.
It was very skewed towards Epic fantasy, Dark fantasy, and Literary fantasy; with little to no mention of a lot of the other subgenres of fantasy. I don’t think this was the panelists’ fault so much as the fact that they all wrote and read in those sub-genres and didn’t know that much about the others.
I was extremely happy to have Tamora Pierce mentioned in the positive.
Two things that seriously annoyed me were the lack of mention of Terry Pratchett and one panelists’ utter disdain for Urban Fantasy and Supernatural Romance.
Hopefully, there will be a better mix of expertise in future years. I would love to be on this panel.
Police Procedure: Busting Myths and Preconceptions
Wow! This was by far the most educational panel I went too. The presenter was engaging, fun, and informative. It helped me separate the major fiction of police dramas with real life.
I really hope they have him back next year, maybe for a double length panel.
Crowd-Funding
I considered crowd funding a book, but it seemed like more work than self-publishing it. I eventually dropped the idea because of the cost of editing. Trust me, a good editor is worth it. REALLY worth it! I love my beta-readers but it’s just not the same thing.
The panel did give me a few ideas for a crowdfunding project I have in mind for spring. Don’t worry. You’ll hear about it Ad-nausea in 2016.
More Panels
Check out S.M. Carrière’s write up of the panels that they were on and attended.
Parasomnia
This year’s Resolutions had submit Parasomnia to 3 agents and 3 publishers. I half accomplished that already.
I had three pitches to three different publishers and all three agreed to read my book. Two were extremely excited. Now it’s a waiting game. I’ve decided to skip the agents – I don’t need them.
So if you’re counting, that’s 2 novels with publishers right now. Hopefully I’ll hear by March if any of them will publish my books.
*Keep your fingers crossed*
Coffee
One of my thrills for the weekend was seeing authors, editors, publishers, and people, whom I greatly respect, loving my coffee.
So far most people love the coffee I’ve been roasting and it makes me really happy to hear. It’s been a little over a year since I started roasting my own and almost a year since I started selling.
After Pop-Expo I will sit down and see if it’s been financially worth it. If it has, I will consider expanding my operation. If it hasn’t, I’ll see what I can do to make it profitable without sacrificing quality.
Overall
This is one of my favourite Conventions. I love it so much!
I’m still not sure if I want to be a vendor, pitch a book, and attend panels next year but we’ll see. Maybe I’ll be able to add panelist to the list…
If you like speculative or genre literature, this really is the Con for you.
Thank you to the organizers and see you next year!
Éric
French Cafes
In honour of Remembrance Day, the next few weeks will contain some pictures from the D-Day celebrations in Normandy.
Downtown Bayeux, amongst the little French cafes. Two guys, dressed in full paratrooper garb, freaked out about the TARDIS.
Agent Peggy Carter
We REALLY love Peggy Carter. Can’t wait for season 2!
Come say hi at Can-Con, starting today and throughout the weekend! We’ll be selling in the Vendor’s Room, which is open to the public!! So if you desperately need to get more of Eric’s amazing coffee, we’ll have a bunch for sale, along with the usual smattering of crochet and buttons. Our regular partner will be selling as well, and you can pick up magnets and order Band of Brothers prints from her. 😀
Can-Con 2015
Hello my Imaginary Friends,
Tomorrow is tue first day of CAN-CON: Conference on Canadian Content in Speculative Arts and Literature!
It’s a great weekend for anyone who is a fan or writer of genre books.
What’s Awesome about Can-Con
This convention is special for its sense of community. Some of the attendees will be hopeful authors, others will be publishers, and there will be multiple award winning giants of science-fiction and fantasy. All with an atmosphere of love for speculative fiction.
It feels like a family reunion. I feel welcomed and accepted.
I unfortunately also invariably say something stupid. Mostly its small things like when I told Matt Moore (One of Ottawa’s master horror writers) I liked his reading when he’d only been the MC.
Then there was the time I told Tanya Huff (The legendary Fantasy author) and Linda Poitevin (The amazing Urban Noir and Romance author) that I preferred writing female protagonists because women are simpler to write. *Facepalm* *Blush* *Dies of embarrassment* What I meant was that I tend to understand women better than I understand men which makes it easier for me… sigh
Hopefully everyone I say something stupid to will forgive me after getting a hearty laugh from my crimson painted face.
Pitches
Speaking of the possibility for embarrassment… One of my new year’s resolutions was to submit Parasomnia to 3 agents and 3 publishing companies. I’m getting the 3 publishing companies taken care of at Can-Con. Effectively I’ll have 5-15 minutes to sell them on the concept of my book. If they’re interested they’ll take either the whole book for review or the first few chapters.
My like of what I’ve written goes up and down. Mid way through Parasomnia I hated it. When I was done I knew it was the best thing I’d ever written. When I edited it I was convinced it was crap.
I just looked over all the comments from my amazing (Seriously you guys rock) beta-readers to make sure I’m not delusional to think this book should be published. They all seemed to enjoy it. They used words like “Enjoyed” and phrases like, “kept me interested” YAY!
I’m pitching to two publishers I respect a lot and one I’ve only vaguely heard of and I’m sitting here trying not to panic.
Dealers Room
Last but not least the Dealers Room will be filled with amazing authors, publishers, and bookstores. JenEric Designs will be there, with a brand new button and more coffee than even I could drink in a weekend.
This will be your last chance to get the Great Pumpkin (Pumpkin Flavoured) coffee at a convention until next fall.
The vendors room is FREE so even if you’re not at the Con feel free to drop by the Sheraton downtown Ottawa (150 Albert St) and say hi.
Hope to see you there!
Éric
Halloween fun
This weekend is Halloween, and if you’re looking for something last-minute to do, I’m sure there’s a Halloween party just around the corner. In Ottawa, Can-Con will have Trick-or-Treating in the vendor’s room all day, and it’s free to the public, so be sure to stop by!
But if you’re looking for something a little further from home and off the beaten path, here are some great last-minute options!
Ithaca, New York
Do you like Harry Potter? Would you be interested in visiting Diagon Alley? For five hours on Halloween, Ithaca NY is transforming Press Bay Alley into Diagon Alley and I desperately want to go!! There will be a House Cup Competition, a Horcrux Hunt, a costume contest, presentations on magical creatures, wizarding chess, Quidditch re-enactments, wizarding duels, and so much more! This is their first event, so maybe I’ll be able to go next year…
The Catacombs of Paris
You would have had to enter the contest with Airbnb, but two lucky (or unlucky?) winners will be the first people to spend Halloween night in the Catacombs under Paris – the home of seven million corpses. Dinner, a private concert, breakfast, and a storyteller will put them to sleep with creepy bedtime stories “guaranteed to produce nightmares”. Who would like to participate in this? Certainly not me!
Hope the winners never saw the terrifying horror movie As Above, So Below or it’s trailer.
The Stanley Hotel in Colorado
The Stanley Hotel is one of the most haunted hotels in the world. It was the setting for Stephen King’s “The Shining”. Reportedly haunted by Lord Stanley and his wife, as well as kids who run along the fourth floor halls at two in the morning, and many others, this would be the place to go to test yourself. It is open for business, and hosts a Ghost Adventure Package as well as standard room packages.
Just don’t order the Redrum…
If you are interested in going on any of these cruises, or others. Jen has retired from working as a travel agent. Hope you’ve enjoyed Fandom Travel.
Happy Haunting!
References
https://www.facebook.com/events/1633034433638155/
http://ithacavoice.com/2015/10/2400-harry-potter-fans-to-transform-ithaca-street-into-diagon-alley/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/11929209/Airbnb-offers-Halloween-night-in-Paris-Catacombs.html
http://www.stanleyhotel.com/
Only Human (Serial Story) Part 9
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8
“Thanks for not killing me.” Ginny smirked, standing half in the threshold of her room half in the shared kitchen.
“I went on a date with your brother. I should be thanking you.” Rachel smiled. She liked Ronny, he was sweet.
Ginny rolled her eyes and went into her bedroom. Rachel turned and went into hers. She chuckled at the idea that Ronny, the vampire, was the stable, boy next door.
“What’s this about a date?” asked a soft voice from her bed.
Without hesitation, she tossed a knife at the voice and dove to the ground. Pulling another out of her sleeve, she crouch-walked as quietly as she could towards the bed. She reached the bed and placed her knife on the person’s throat. “I’m turning on the light, move and I’ll give you a second smile.”
Turning on the bedside light she saw Dowan with a wide smile. “You’re hot when you do the whole Rambo thing.”
Putting away her knife, Rachel grumbled, “I could have killed you. That was really stupid.”
“I brought flowers,” he said, snapping his fingers and making three vases of roses appear around the room.
“Did I hit you with the first knife?” she asked, looking worried at the red on his beige shirt.
“Naw, you just hit the snack I brought you.” He pointed at the brown paper bag with a knife sticking out of it.
Reaching out, she touched the liquid on the bag and brought it to her mouth. “Cherry, Yum.”
“Before you killed it, it was cherry syrup for the ice-cream I brought.”
He rolled off the bed and carried the paper bag, which still had a knife in it, to her desk.
“What are you doing here Dowan? And how did you get in?”
Looking around, he shook his head at the mess and gave a small shake. When he shook his head a small table with napkins and 2 bowls appeared in front of him. “How do you live like this?”
“It’s been a crazy couple of days. If I knew I was going to have guests I’d have cleaned up.” Rachel sighed and added, “Stop distracting me. Why are you here?”
“Don’t worry about it,” he said and a part of her mind went blank before she forced herself to remember and concentrate on what he was saying.
“You are not a Jedi and your tricks don’t work on me now spill.” She stood the way her foster mother used to when she was truly mad; hip off to the side, one hand on the hip, and a scowl.
Lifting his hands in the air, he said, “Fine. I saw you were in trouble and I wanted to make sure you were ok.”
“Is that why you called me two days ago?”
“Yes,” he looked at her and pouted, “I was comfortably asleep and suddenly felt your life depended on me calling.”
“Right.” She didn’t think he was telling her the whole truth, but didn’t know what to ask.
“Here eat,” he pointed at the bowls which were now filled with vanilla ice cream, three kinds of syrup, and sprinkles. She didn’t have the heart to tell him she’d already eaten. Plus it looked good.
After a few bites he chuckled and said, “From the small moans of pleasure I’ll assume you like it.” She didn’t remember making and noises, but it was damn good ice cream.
As she took another bite, he asked, “So what’s so special about mister sparkly across the hall?”
“Ronny is a nice guy. He’s cute and he makes me feel special…” she trailed off. “And it’s totally none of your business. Mister trickster. You’re my TA not my mother.”
His eyes literally sparkled, it was a little disconcerting. “I may be your TA but I’m also an attractive man who’s totally into you.”
“About that. I did some research on Mannegishi and found out that you’re a little tall for one of the little people.”
His smile faded for only a second before he sighed, “Fine. I’m a half-breed. My mother was human and my father was Mannegishi.” When she looked at him disbelievingly, he added, “I wear lifts in my shoes.” He took off his shoes and was shorter than he’d been. He looked absolutely miserable.
As far as Rachel noticed, he’d always been short. Most people where shorter than her. Ronny being her height was something she liked about him. She smiled at him and said, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
His face turned into a knowing smile and he said, “And after I didn’t tell anyone about your secret.”
“My secret?”
“You being human and not demi-god,” he seemed smug as he stood closer to her.
She sat on the bed, “You know.”
“I’ve known since we first met. I’m a trickster. I know when others are lying. You are built like a goddess though.”
Maybe it was the ice-cream or that damned crooked smirk of his that lit up his face and showcased his high cheekbones and dimples, but the cheesy line made her blush.
Through her blush and sudden urge to kiss his soft looking lips, she forced herself to ask, “Are you the one who sent the Huntress after me?”
“Yuck, no. Those people are insane. I wouldn’t send them after my worst enemy, let alone a girl I have the hots for.”
She studied his face to see if he was lying and the assessment turned into appreciation. He was really good looking. He looked at her with a mix of amusement and hunger. She leaned towards him and looked up at him. Not an angle she was used to. He leaned forward and her entire body felt warm as she moved closer for a kiss. She held her position a hairsbreadth away from his lips and he smirked but didn’t move forward. When she couldn’t stand it anymore she tried to close the distance but he pulled away.
She gave a small whimper of frustration and he asked, “Do you want me to kiss you?”
“Yes,” she replied grabbing his head and kissing him forcefully. He tasted of cherry syrup.
The kiss felt like it lasted forever and ended too soon. He pulled away, winked at her, and said, “We should go on a date,” and he disappeared.
Supergirl
This picture is a throwback to Ottawa Comic Con 2014, when I was cosplaying as Supergirl. But that’s because Supergirl starts TONIGHT and I am super (pun intended) excited about it!! Catch the new show on CBS at 8:30pm tonight! (This is not its usual timeslot, so be careful when scheduling your PVR.)