That's right, in his house at R'lyeh dead Cthulhu waits dreaming.
Just thought I would share a wonderful treasure trove of horror writing with you, thanks to the wonderful Project Gutenberg.
The complete works of H.P. Lovecraft, widely regarded as the father of modern horror writing all collected in one, free place. Hurrah for public domain books!
Go get your Lovecraft on! <-------
Can be hard going at times, but hell, the man had a way with words I am seriously jealous of!
Phill
Thursday 29 March 2012
Wednesday 28 March 2012
Phew!
Wooooo! 50,000 words and counting. It's been a productive few days.
Buuut...I think I also might have been writing too fast. I've got a horrible feeling that I'm going to have to go through a lot of re-writing of...stuff. I'm in two minds as to wait until I'm done with everything, then come back, or do it as I go along. Choices, choices.
Phill
Buuut...I think I also might have been writing too fast. I've got a horrible feeling that I'm going to have to go through a lot of re-writing of...stuff. I'm in two minds as to wait until I'm done with everything, then come back, or do it as I go along. Choices, choices.
Phill
Saturday 24 March 2012
Feeling somewhat more...
...professional.
I don't know if it's this most recent milestone in terms of word count, but I'm certainly feeling more like what I would consider to be an author than ever before.
Sure, I've been telling stories for years, be they on paper or the spoken word. My head has constantly been spinning with fantasy and horror in equal measure since I was a young sproglet. Multiple causes I think. I think it's my parents that bred this into me.
From a very young age I've been exposed to a varied mix of different, fantastical subject matter. At times, it really affected me to a negative degree. One of my earliest memories of something vaguely fantastical was my dad wheeling me out his LPs of Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds. On one hand, this has led me to a life-long love of HG Wells and the various crap movies made from the story. On the other hand, it gave me nightmares - for years, and a fear of Alien invaders which lasted into my mid-teens (even independence day made me scared...sad, huh?).
Not only is the music nerve tinglingly creepy at some points, combined with Richard Burton's throaty tones, it came with an artwork book that opened into A3 panoramas of scenes from the book. For example:
or
I was always a sensitive little git. However, in addition to early exposures to now cult and amazing films such as the Dark Crystal, Willow, Jason and the Argonauts, Wrath of the Titans etc. I think led me down the path of the fantasist.
Cue me 20 years later. I feel like I'm starting to contribute to the medium I was weaned on. It's an exciting prospect. Hell, I might be shit at the task in hand, but at least I'm enjoying the process!
I'll be honest, I suspect I might be falling into tropes of the genre. I don't know how though. I honestly have not read a fantasy book outside of the Warhammer setting for years. The last book of a vaguely fantastic nature I read was a series circling around my favourite anti-hero, Thomas Covenant. The one-time rapist leper constantly sucked into his own delusions/alternate reality.
I guess that's another admission I might explore later. Someone who loves fantasy but doesn't read it...perhaps I'm afraid that the presence of better writers will put me off.
I'm rambling. Damnit.
Yes, I was talking about feeling like being a writer. I've been writing porn for years now. (Phill's Filthy Porno. Go there, enjoy it, even if you've never read or had interest in erotica before! My favourite is Electric Heart...) At first, just a laugh to see if I could do it...then. Well, then I kept going. I don't think I ever felt like an author, especially when my plot heavy stories fell upon more or less deaf ears. Not enough sex was usually the negative feedback. Perhaps a bit too complex for what is more-or-less wank-material.
I like to think that I can see an evolution in the quality of my writing from my first foray into erotica to where I am now. Yes, I was writing in instalments, which meant I had to shoehorn sexual scenes into the plot where there really should have been none, but...I didn't have anywhere else to post in order to entertain people. Soooo...cater to the market!
Now however, I'm writing with enthusiasm, without a sex scene in sight! (yet...who knows, at least I know I can write them now!). As of this moment, I've got 43,000 words down. And I'm massively proud of myself. I've never poured this much effort into anything. It's a really exciting, and pleasant experience.
More importantly perhaps, I'm still writing without the crutch I always used to need. I never got anywhere without comments on my instalments...then if I got a negative one, I'd go into a dismal funk and take me weeks to crawl out of it...if ever. I'll admit, I do feel a bit lost without positive affirmation that 'The boy dun gud', but...I don't dwell on that too much anymore.
That about wraps up my rambling for the moment. I dearly hope that even if I don't turn out to be good enough to be published, I can post this stuff online somewhere for people to enjoy regardless. It's the only thing I really care about...making something which entertains and makes people hungry for more!
And today's song is (actually a surprise to me, didn't know I had it!)...
All the best!
Phill
I don't know if it's this most recent milestone in terms of word count, but I'm certainly feeling more like what I would consider to be an author than ever before.
Sure, I've been telling stories for years, be they on paper or the spoken word. My head has constantly been spinning with fantasy and horror in equal measure since I was a young sproglet. Multiple causes I think. I think it's my parents that bred this into me.
From a very young age I've been exposed to a varied mix of different, fantastical subject matter. At times, it really affected me to a negative degree. One of my earliest memories of something vaguely fantastical was my dad wheeling me out his LPs of Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds. On one hand, this has led me to a life-long love of HG Wells and the various crap movies made from the story. On the other hand, it gave me nightmares - for years, and a fear of Alien invaders which lasted into my mid-teens (even independence day made me scared...sad, huh?).
Not only is the music nerve tinglingly creepy at some points, combined with Richard Burton's throaty tones, it came with an artwork book that opened into A3 panoramas of scenes from the book. For example:
or
I was always a sensitive little git. However, in addition to early exposures to now cult and amazing films such as the Dark Crystal, Willow, Jason and the Argonauts, Wrath of the Titans etc. I think led me down the path of the fantasist.
Cue me 20 years later. I feel like I'm starting to contribute to the medium I was weaned on. It's an exciting prospect. Hell, I might be shit at the task in hand, but at least I'm enjoying the process!
I'll be honest, I suspect I might be falling into tropes of the genre. I don't know how though. I honestly have not read a fantasy book outside of the Warhammer setting for years. The last book of a vaguely fantastic nature I read was a series circling around my favourite anti-hero, Thomas Covenant. The one-time rapist leper constantly sucked into his own delusions/alternate reality.
I guess that's another admission I might explore later. Someone who loves fantasy but doesn't read it...perhaps I'm afraid that the presence of better writers will put me off.
I'm rambling. Damnit.
Yes, I was talking about feeling like being a writer. I've been writing porn for years now. (Phill's Filthy Porno. Go there, enjoy it, even if you've never read or had interest in erotica before! My favourite is Electric Heart...) At first, just a laugh to see if I could do it...then. Well, then I kept going. I don't think I ever felt like an author, especially when my plot heavy stories fell upon more or less deaf ears. Not enough sex was usually the negative feedback. Perhaps a bit too complex for what is more-or-less wank-material.
I like to think that I can see an evolution in the quality of my writing from my first foray into erotica to where I am now. Yes, I was writing in instalments, which meant I had to shoehorn sexual scenes into the plot where there really should have been none, but...I didn't have anywhere else to post in order to entertain people. Soooo...cater to the market!
Now however, I'm writing with enthusiasm, without a sex scene in sight! (yet...who knows, at least I know I can write them now!). As of this moment, I've got 43,000 words down. And I'm massively proud of myself. I've never poured this much effort into anything. It's a really exciting, and pleasant experience.
More importantly perhaps, I'm still writing without the crutch I always used to need. I never got anywhere without comments on my instalments...then if I got a negative one, I'd go into a dismal funk and take me weeks to crawl out of it...if ever. I'll admit, I do feel a bit lost without positive affirmation that 'The boy dun gud', but...I don't dwell on that too much anymore.
That about wraps up my rambling for the moment. I dearly hope that even if I don't turn out to be good enough to be published, I can post this stuff online somewhere for people to enjoy regardless. It's the only thing I really care about...making something which entertains and makes people hungry for more!
And today's song is (actually a surprise to me, didn't know I had it!)...
All the best!
Phill
Thursday 22 March 2012
Another milestone!
Hit 40,000 words today. Officially longer than anything else I've ever written!
Huzzah!
Huzzah!
Saturday 17 March 2012
Some Details
Right.
I thought it was about time that I actually talked about what it is I have been working on. I keep mentioning word counts, crashing laptops, writers block etc, but I've yet to actually note what it is that I'm actually writing!
So without further ado, and without any spoilers,I hope...ta-daaaa!
Phill's Genre of Choice: A mish-mashed combination of Steampunk and Dieselpunk with a healthy dollop of gritty, low fantasy adventure all lightly dusted with some horror-esque and emotional elements.
The Setting: Welcome to the Odyesa, a vast airship city flying above the oceans of the Abandoned Lands. The Odyesa (formerly the Odessa before I decided to go make clearer distinctions between the real world and this) and her sister ships were built in the dying days of the Golden Age as a means of escaping the dangers of the ground. Built to last, these vast flying citadels are still going strong some two and a half thousand years after their launch.
Notable features: The mostly benevolent goddess Vestae, whose faith was all but snuffed out during the Abandonment is slowly returning in power. Vestae once took an active part in the shaping of mankind's future, but for various reasons faith in her was lost and without worship she became all but a non-entity. Unable to yet form a physical manifestation in the world, she uses other means to aid the flock that attempted to forget her.
Pirates! The rich and the successful were not the only ones to flee the ground when the time came. Other vessels were launched and populated, but fell to infighting and eventually piracy in order to sustain themselves. These airborne freebooters are an ever-present threat to the security of the well established ships such as the Odyesa.
Why the sea, why not the land? The Airships mostly drift above the oceans, this is no coincidence. Firstly, above the land comes the airborne threat of gryphones and other winged nasties. Secondly, the sea provides almost everything they need to function. Water for drinking and producing hydrogen to stay afloat, fish for food, sharks and whales for leather and other materials.
The Characters: I don't want to get too deep into this, as I would rather some people remain a surprise, including their motives. Here's a rundown of some of them and their quirks!
Mariya Katherina Gregova Paulus - Our erstwhile police inspector heroine. Much of the book is due to focus on her. She is a very flawed character, successful in her chosen career but often at the expense of others skills. Prone to indecision, near-alcoholism and selfishness Mariya is not the first call for a hero, nor would it be something she would ever describe herself as being. Regardless, she usually acts in the best interests of her friends and colleagues, has a healthy respect for the law and split loyalties between the ship of her birth, the Paulus and her home vessel, the Odyesa.
Olesya Mariele Gregova Paulus - Sister to Mariya, Olesya represents several polar opposites. A free spirited salvager (sifts through the dangerous ruins of the golden age) she comes and goes as she pleases. Whilst seeming aloof and daring, she actually has a very level head on her shoulders and is quite capable of being extremely mercenary in attitude and application. Olesya is responsible for some of the most important rediscoveries of art and technology, and intends to play a large part in the future of the Odyesa and the other skyships.
Alina Ulrika Samarin Odyesa and Vadim Alfred Poushkin Odyesa - Lover and loather of Mariya respectively. These two characters are Mariya's 'minions' and serve under her in the police force. Throughout the story, these characters will rarely stray from Mariya's side and their juxtaposing relationships with her serve to strengthen her resolve.
Stepan Adolfus Tarasova Odyesa - Stepan is the chief engineer of the Odyesa, knowing the vessel better than anyone else aboard. Events of the story will bring him into frequent contact with our heroine.
Sasha Angelika Engle Eugen - Part time teacher, part time opium addict and full time history buff. Sasha is one of the rare Vestaen believers and will lend her services to our main cast with varied results.
Erika Katalin Ulyanov - A captain in the House Ulyanov militia. A bitch of epic proportions. Can't say more than that!
Maxim 'Bjoern' Altman Mashchenko Odyesa - Sergeant in the Odyesian military. Responsible for the safety of our heroes and villains alike. A dedicated, well-built man frequently motivated by patriotic fervour and the safety of those serving under him. Likable, tough and despite his size, a master of tunnel fighting thanks to a career fending of pirate incursions.
Well, that should be enough for now. I hope I've piqued your interest!
Phill
P.S. Would still like to get some images of certain characters drawn up, if you know anyone good, do let me know!
I thought it was about time that I actually talked about what it is I have been working on. I keep mentioning word counts, crashing laptops, writers block etc, but I've yet to actually note what it is that I'm actually writing!
So without further ado, and without any spoilers,I hope...ta-daaaa!
Phill's Genre of Choice: A mish-mashed combination of Steampunk and Dieselpunk with a healthy dollop of gritty, low fantasy adventure all lightly dusted with some horror-esque and emotional elements.
***
The Setting: Welcome to the Odyesa, a vast airship city flying above the oceans of the Abandoned Lands. The Odyesa (formerly the Odessa before I decided to go make clearer distinctions between the real world and this) and her sister ships were built in the dying days of the Golden Age as a means of escaping the dangers of the ground. Built to last, these vast flying citadels are still going strong some two and a half thousand years after their launch.
***
Notable features: The mostly benevolent goddess Vestae, whose faith was all but snuffed out during the Abandonment is slowly returning in power. Vestae once took an active part in the shaping of mankind's future, but for various reasons faith in her was lost and without worship she became all but a non-entity. Unable to yet form a physical manifestation in the world, she uses other means to aid the flock that attempted to forget her.
Pirates! The rich and the successful were not the only ones to flee the ground when the time came. Other vessels were launched and populated, but fell to infighting and eventually piracy in order to sustain themselves. These airborne freebooters are an ever-present threat to the security of the well established ships such as the Odyesa.
Why the sea, why not the land? The Airships mostly drift above the oceans, this is no coincidence. Firstly, above the land comes the airborne threat of gryphones and other winged nasties. Secondly, the sea provides almost everything they need to function. Water for drinking and producing hydrogen to stay afloat, fish for food, sharks and whales for leather and other materials.
***
The Characters: I don't want to get too deep into this, as I would rather some people remain a surprise, including their motives. Here's a rundown of some of them and their quirks!
Mariya Katherina Gregova Paulus - Our erstwhile police inspector heroine. Much of the book is due to focus on her. She is a very flawed character, successful in her chosen career but often at the expense of others skills. Prone to indecision, near-alcoholism and selfishness Mariya is not the first call for a hero, nor would it be something she would ever describe herself as being. Regardless, she usually acts in the best interests of her friends and colleagues, has a healthy respect for the law and split loyalties between the ship of her birth, the Paulus and her home vessel, the Odyesa.
Olesya Mariele Gregova Paulus - Sister to Mariya, Olesya represents several polar opposites. A free spirited salvager (sifts through the dangerous ruins of the golden age) she comes and goes as she pleases. Whilst seeming aloof and daring, she actually has a very level head on her shoulders and is quite capable of being extremely mercenary in attitude and application. Olesya is responsible for some of the most important rediscoveries of art and technology, and intends to play a large part in the future of the Odyesa and the other skyships.
Alina Ulrika Samarin Odyesa and Vadim Alfred Poushkin Odyesa - Lover and loather of Mariya respectively. These two characters are Mariya's 'minions' and serve under her in the police force. Throughout the story, these characters will rarely stray from Mariya's side and their juxtaposing relationships with her serve to strengthen her resolve.
Stepan Adolfus Tarasova Odyesa - Stepan is the chief engineer of the Odyesa, knowing the vessel better than anyone else aboard. Events of the story will bring him into frequent contact with our heroine.
Sasha Angelika Engle Eugen - Part time teacher, part time opium addict and full time history buff. Sasha is one of the rare Vestaen believers and will lend her services to our main cast with varied results.
Erika Katalin Ulyanov - A captain in the House Ulyanov militia. A bitch of epic proportions. Can't say more than that!
Maxim 'Bjoern' Altman Mashchenko Odyesa - Sergeant in the Odyesian military. Responsible for the safety of our heroes and villains alike. A dedicated, well-built man frequently motivated by patriotic fervour and the safety of those serving under him. Likable, tough and despite his size, a master of tunnel fighting thanks to a career fending of pirate incursions.
Well, that should be enough for now. I hope I've piqued your interest!
Phill
P.S. Would still like to get some images of certain characters drawn up, if you know anyone good, do let me know!
Wednesday 14 March 2012
Back to...
...where I started.
The damned laptop crashed again today. Thankfully I only lost about 15 minutes of work. It's a bit concerning that the thing I am relying on to keep me focused and writing when not sat on my arse at home is possibly on the fritz.
Once rebooted, and slapped about a bit to show it who was boss, I got the bugger working again. So I'm back on 30,000 words or so. Things are about to start getting exciting! The set-up is roughly complete.
In other news, I read about some rejigged Twilight Fapfiction is now cruising around on the top spot of the New York Times best sellers list (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-17332129). It comes I'll admit as a bit of surprise to me, and possibly with a bit of annoyance [read: jealousy] that erotica is now becoming almost respectable. Right when I've decided to shift my attention away from erotica!
Maybe I'll continue with some short stories in the meantime...I mean...I've got to be better than Twishite fapfiction...I hope :D
Phill
The damned laptop crashed again today. Thankfully I only lost about 15 minutes of work. It's a bit concerning that the thing I am relying on to keep me focused and writing when not sat on my arse at home is possibly on the fritz.
Once rebooted, and slapped about a bit to show it who was boss, I got the bugger working again. So I'm back on 30,000 words or so. Things are about to start getting exciting! The set-up is roughly complete.
In other news, I read about some rejigged Twilight Fapfiction is now cruising around on the top spot of the New York Times best sellers list (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-17332129). It comes I'll admit as a bit of surprise to me, and possibly with a bit of annoyance [read: jealousy] that erotica is now becoming almost respectable. Right when I've decided to shift my attention away from erotica!
Maybe I'll continue with some short stories in the meantime...I mean...I've got to be better than Twishite fapfiction...I hope :D
Phill
Tuesday 13 March 2012
Graaaaaaaaaah!
I beat my 30k marker today during a lunchbreak at work. Then my laptop crashed and lost an hours worth of writing, so back down to 29k now. Damnit.
Got to keep remembering to save more often. Sigh!
Phill
Got to keep remembering to save more often. Sigh!
Phill
Monday 5 March 2012
Writing at work
Today, for the first time, I took my laptop in to work with me and wrote.
I sat down in one of our comfy client rooms, the soundproofed ones, and tapped out a couple of pages in an hour. Very satisfying indeed! I plan to do this every day to get in some additional writing time. Not to mention lugging this hunk of junk to work every day will do wonders for my upper back strength, lose calories whilst gaining words. I can live with this!
Phill
I sat down in one of our comfy client rooms, the soundproofed ones, and tapped out a couple of pages in an hour. Very satisfying indeed! I plan to do this every day to get in some additional writing time. Not to mention lugging this hunk of junk to work every day will do wonders for my upper back strength, lose calories whilst gaining words. I can live with this!
Phill
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)