I might be wrong with posting this, but I have always wondered about heroes (or villains) in comic books. This is what I posted so many years ago on the subject, enjoy:
I don't understand some of what I see in comics. Don't get me wrong, I love comics to the point I collect them. What I am confused about is what they wear. Why on this green earth would someone want to wear spandex? I am speaking about the men at this time and frankly wind resistance doesn't cut it in my book to justify spandex. Cape..? Sure because it makes people look cool and is an easy accessory to make out of anything. A belt? Again, sure because it can hold different things. Masks are a no-brainer as to why someone would need one. What happens when a male superhero has a run-in with a woman superhero (I will get to the women soon) and he finds them attractive? Won't he end up showing off a bit more of his enthusiasm than he expected? What if he isn't THAT super? Loose clothes or at least boxer short in lieu of tighty-whiteys might make all the difference.
I will only touch on a character I might have the most issue with nowadays - Batman. The newest movies have tried to clean up the image of the caped crusader, but he might be the worst of the bunch as I think he is still in the closet. I wish I could remember the site that enlightened me so long ago about this hidden comic issue. You might try and do a search about 'comics gone bad' to find something on the topic. Back to what I was talking about. Batman wears tights with tighty whiteys (at least in the older comics, however the newer stuff gives him a cock piece which is defiantly an improvement), a utility belt - I guess to hold lipstick and such, and has a boy sidekick named Dick (short for Richard). Does any of that start to creep you out? Would that make him gay? Probably enough said about that particular crusader.
On to the women. Now skin tight things nowadays seem to be the norm when it comes to women's clothes, whether it goes on top or on bottom shoe horns might be in use to get dressed. Since this is not an issue in the real world, why are women superheroes dressed like supermodels from S.I. (sports illustrated)? Most of those models don't get the luxury of a full bathing suit and in some cases none at all! I, as a man, in no way am complaining about the various states of undress these poor women are in, however, half of the outfits given to women can't conceivably be useful in a fight. I am not saying that superheroes need to be fashion conscience, but it might help. Look at blankman for guidance!
In the end, a villain is going to fight dirty and what better way than to "expose" the opponent. I don't have an answer as to what a superhero should wear and will leave that up to TV shows related to what not to wear in super fights.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
What about Text-To-Speech?
I know it is a bold statement to make. Text-to-speech is good for a great many things, but one I never thought to use it for came to me last night.
Proofreading.
Sounds so simple that I should have thought of it already? Why try to re-read your manuscript out loud when something can do it for you. Now you can listen to what you wrote while running errands or the dishes (if they piled up while writing and trust me they do). Sometimes a friend will let you know how your book is, but that takes time away from them and they sometimes don’t always read quickly. I am not saying a fresh perspective on what you wrote isn’t worth the time; however, hearing what you wrote first might save your friend’s writing hand from cramping after noting all the incorrect uses of grammar.
Some places say to use a text-to-speech for creating audio books. For me it sounds too monotone to be enjoyed properly. Better to have a real voice create the emotional points and hear a flat voice try to express excitement. If nothing else please consider using one of the many text-to-speech programs out there being offered for free. It will save you endless hours of editing the manuscript or help you simplify a sentence.
Proofreading.
Sounds so simple that I should have thought of it already? Why try to re-read your manuscript out loud when something can do it for you. Now you can listen to what you wrote while running errands or the dishes (if they piled up while writing and trust me they do). Sometimes a friend will let you know how your book is, but that takes time away from them and they sometimes don’t always read quickly. I am not saying a fresh perspective on what you wrote isn’t worth the time; however, hearing what you wrote first might save your friend’s writing hand from cramping after noting all the incorrect uses of grammar.
Some places say to use a text-to-speech for creating audio books. For me it sounds too monotone to be enjoyed properly. Better to have a real voice create the emotional points and hear a flat voice try to express excitement. If nothing else please consider using one of the many text-to-speech programs out there being offered for free. It will save you endless hours of editing the manuscript or help you simplify a sentence.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The Waiting is Almost Over.
Time is growing short as I wait to see where Temperature: Dead and Rising will end up. The 15th Annual IPPY Awards is in the final stages of judging with the first bit of news available May 5th. My skin is crawling with anticipation of where my debut novel will place. A sneak peek would do about now.
This is one of two entries I am waiting to here from. The second ends in October called The 19th Annual Writer's Digest. It will be a wild ride waiting for that date to come around. I will be updating this blog and the other sites as much as I can as the details come in. Good luck to anyone else that entered.
This is one of two entries I am waiting to here from. The second ends in October called The 19th Annual Writer's Digest. It will be a wild ride waiting for that date to come around. I will be updating this blog and the other sites as much as I can as the details come in. Good luck to anyone else that entered.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Something Every Indie Author Should Know
I hope to join the ranks of these other indie start-ups sharing their individual projects collectively through a site called KickStarter. This website offers a chance to make dreams come true for those that have a vision. To share what my vision is visit my Temperature Series Project for more information.
I worked hard to self publish my first novel and promote it. I used every bit of cash I had (even scrounged between the cushions) to get the money up without asking a soul to help. Now I hope to find generous people out in the world to support me in my endeavors this time.
Check out my project, moreover, please take a look at some of the other up-and-coming talent who’ve posted their wares for all to see. KickStarter is trying to help us all and I am thankful for their own vision to help others fulfill a dream. If my goal isn’t reached I will not see a dime. That is the long and short of it for any of us trying to find backers. I am willing to drop my standards of getting a better novel out than my last one (mainly because I could only afford one copyediting service) if I can’t pull off this project.
I am not a pessimist in thinking I might not get the funds to produce a second published novel – I just have a backup plan if this doesn’t pan out.
As far as self publishing goes, I will choose a different publisher with e-book services and possibly audio book formats. My first self publisher, CreateSpace, is a good company to go through and have nothing to complain about. I would like more for my money though. Lightning Source has a list of self publishers to consider if you are in the market to publish your own manuscript. Beyond that, I have nothing to offer when it comes to marketing anything. Best of luck to anyone reading this.
I worked hard to self publish my first novel and promote it. I used every bit of cash I had (even scrounged between the cushions) to get the money up without asking a soul to help. Now I hope to find generous people out in the world to support me in my endeavors this time.
Check out my project, moreover, please take a look at some of the other up-and-coming talent who’ve posted their wares for all to see. KickStarter is trying to help us all and I am thankful for their own vision to help others fulfill a dream. If my goal isn’t reached I will not see a dime. That is the long and short of it for any of us trying to find backers. I am willing to drop my standards of getting a better novel out than my last one (mainly because I could only afford one copyediting service) if I can’t pull off this project.
I am not a pessimist in thinking I might not get the funds to produce a second published novel – I just have a backup plan if this doesn’t pan out.
As far as self publishing goes, I will choose a different publisher with e-book services and possibly audio book formats. My first self publisher, CreateSpace, is a good company to go through and have nothing to complain about. I would like more for my money though. Lightning Source has a list of self publishers to consider if you are in the market to publish your own manuscript. Beyond that, I have nothing to offer when it comes to marketing anything. Best of luck to anyone reading this.
BookPros[e]: The Undead Trend Continues
This is a great article about the trends currently flowing out there.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Opening to 2nd novel (sort of)
The opening paragraph for the second novel is (and could very well change at any time):
'Hell will have a hard time finding them when I catch up', Bocnic fumed with fire in his eyes with that thought pounding in his skull; the song ‘Wars’ from Hurt still rebounding in his mind. It might not have been one of Sally’s premonitions speaking to him, but it fit all too well for him to ignore it.
I have a lot more typed up than this, but wanted to give a taste of what's coming. For now, you can catch up with the story by reading the first in the series.
'Hell will have a hard time finding them when I catch up', Bocnic fumed with fire in his eyes with that thought pounding in his skull; the song ‘Wars’ from Hurt still rebounding in his mind. It might not have been one of Sally’s premonitions speaking to him, but it fit all too well for him to ignore it.
I have a lot more typed up than this, but wanted to give a taste of what's coming. For now, you can catch up with the story by reading the first in the series.
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