Star FEET Academy

I’ve done a mix of dictation and typing today to get my writing done. The dictation is starting to feel less awkward than farting in an elevator, but I still kind of stink at it.

I decided to write a new story today, one that I can sink my teeth into a bit more than the ones I have going. I’ve had an idea for a story since I read ‘Reincarnation Blues’ by Michael Poore. I really thought how he put his character through the wringer was interesting. I also enjoyed the ninety degree turns his stories would sometimes take and although they came out of left field it still was entertaining and felt plausible. Of course, once you accept the basic premises of the book everything else is believable.

I watched a You tube interview with Dean Koontz called Storytelling Mastery in 107 Minutes by David Perell. It’s almost two hours long so I didn’t get all the way through it yet, I’ll do that tomorrow. But it had some interesting facts about his technique and how it evolved overtime. The guy has sold over five hundred million books, so he has a thing or two to say that is worth listening to. I’ve liked all the books of his that I’ve read so far with my favorites being, Odd Thomas, Life Expectancy and the Jane Hawk Series.

I’m hoping to learn a few more tidbits tomorrow morning as I watch it while sipping a nice cup of vanilla earl grey tea.

There has been a lot of political shenanigans going on lately. Mostly from one country. I was watching the speeches from the Economic Forum in Davos and was really impressed by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s bit of politicking. I don’t like how closely the word politicking and pot-licking look. But Carney ‘s speech was master class on how to be articulate and strong at the same time.  I wish one of my characters could say a speech like that in one of my stories. Like all good political speeches, you knew what he was talking about even though he was being quite vague at times.

This morning, I finished the second last novella in the Mick Herron’s “Standing by the Wall”. Still enjoying the stories. One of the perks of trying to become a writer is that you must read a lot to learn. I suffer for my art. *grin

I watched the third episode of Star Trek: Star”Feet” Academy. Why feet? Watch and find out for yourself.  This episode was more of a fun story. A rivalry between the two side of the academy, good ole Starfleet and the War college. They play a game of Star Trek dodge ball against the harmless foe, the war college kids.

It had some character building, but the sole purpose seems to have been to bring the team together. I did find myself smiling a few times. I’ll admit it, but I’m still not sure this is my Star Trek anymore. But I’ll continue to give them a chance. It’s not like there is great deal of sci-fi competition out there right now.

Thank goodness for books!

As the month gets closer to the end I am scrambling to make sure, I get my 2026 words per day accomplished. Having started at a slower pace at the beginning of the month, my quota for each day is now 2600 words.

I think for February, I will have to start one of my novels to help make sure I have something ready to go each day. Writing a new short story every day is still beyond my abilities, but I can say I feel a little stronger each day I commit to sitting down at my writing computer and working. Or playing as it may be. I do my best writing when it feels like playing. When you do it everyday it’s important to remember that this is supposed to be fun, not work, but play time.

The Nuphy keyboards are part of making the writing fun. It’s not necessary to have expensive gear but having quality tools makes you want to use them. They feel right in your hands and make the work feel more like play even on days when you’re not getting easily into the zone.