Mike Baron

In three weeks time, I’ve had the privilege to interview three writers for my weekly podcast. Adam Slade is an up-and-coming author and friend based in Newfoundland. Eric Trautmann is the author of Red Sonja and Vampirella comics, based in the northwest United States. Mike Baron, a childhood hero of mine for his comic book writing, helped created Nexus, Badger and wrote for Batman, the Flash and others. He’s based in Colorado.

My conversation with Mr. Baron was humbling. First, he is someone I admired as a teenager. I read the Nexus books. I aspired to be a comic book writer. By all accounts, he had a tremendous — and within some circles, legendary — run with Nexus and Badger. Both books make most people’s all time greats. He won and was nominated for the industry’s best awards. However, it was humbling to hear him say that he hasn’t had comic book work in better than nine years. He’s currently working on a novel and says he’s “turned a corner and expects good things from it.”

Eric Trautmann

Mr. Trautmann currently writes for the comic books Red Sonja and Vampirella. I felt terrible at the time of the interview because I could NOT download the issues Eric penned via iPad (they did not appear in any of my comic book store apps; sorry, Eric). I did know his work in other books and the video game “Halo” (which we talked about extensively). However, in listening to him talk about writing comic books, something he loves dearly, he mentioned his very deliberate process of outlining, setting scenes to ensure plot and continuity and how he’s getting better at writing character. He co-owns a comic book store with his wife, is active on Twitter, and were he chosing a prom date, he’d likely take the 7-foot vampire.

Adam Slade

Mr. Slade exudes new energy. He’s finished two books now (we talked specifically about his Science Fiction release, Strand). Strand came from a small idea and he built it up from there. He said he likes writing in different genres and wants to “try them all.” He also blogs regularly about his writing experiences. He’s English, but don’t let that get in the way of his good stories. ;)

All were insightful (though, I wish I had more time to ask more detailed questions) and we talked about more than writing (music, for instance). In all cases, the approach was clear: there was no singular approach in order to get from start to finish. They exalt in the same conquest of ideas. They have similar successes and failures. Once again, the interviews proved that writing is, at times, two fat fingers trying to grip a piece of mercury. It’s been said a million times: there’s no one way to get it done. It only matters that it gets done.

The podcast doesn’t center around writing and doesn’t always have writers on (next week, we interview a filmmaker), but I’m sneaking them in as I can. You can, however, catch all three of these guys at these links:

[list style="check"]

• Eric Trautmann Halo Interview (go to the 16:16 point in the file for the start; available 3 p.m. EST today)
• Eric Trautmann writing interview
• Adam Slade (go to the 25:45 point of the file)
• Mike Baron (go to the 26:31 point of the file)

[/list]

And if you like the podcast, you can subscribe on iTunes.

The unstoppable, mighty Adam Slade announced on his blog this week that he’s signed contracts to have his book “Reaper’s Tale” made into a film. Congrats again Adam! So, that made me think of four years ago, when a highly energized group of Finnish filmmakers were looking for someone to write a script for them.

The project would run about five minutes and had to be about superheroes. Win! So, we connected and came up with this bit of film, originally titled “Burying Powerman,’ but since retitled “You Killed Powerman.” It’s subtitled, so keep up! ;) Here’s the video, which they actually updated from the previous version. The ending rocks:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZxN7WDY-G8?w=425]

Also, for those interested, I’ve attached my original script. You can click the icon to get the PDF version.

And yes, Adam and Stacey, I owe you a meme blog. Tomorrow. ;)

One of my favorite discussions among writers (to watch unfold) is one about continuity or style. Writers disagree about how to write numbers, capitalize titles, and more within their own manuscripts. For instance, one camp believes all numbers should be spelled out until 100. Others believe numbers zero through nine should be spelled out. Anything larger — use the number.

I don’t disagree with either in the same way I have no preference for use of an Apple computer over a PC. It just doesn’t matter to me. However, I do want to be consistent with the usage throughout the manuscript. So if I start out by writing out numbers, then I need to write all of them out. If I use metric measurements to start with, I use them throughout. And so on.

For style and continuity, I use the Associated Press Stylebook. I use it because nearly every piece of writing I’ve done professionally has used AP style. It’s my own guide when preparing a manuscript to send to an agent, publisher or turn in professional writing (my employer also uses AP style). Personally sticking with the AP style takes another burden off the creative process for me. There are others out there like the Chicago Manual of Style. Either way, its important to keep the wallpaper matching the drapes.

Writers are not alone in this regard. In films, there’s someone who’s sole job is to follow continuity in costumes, props, placement of actors, dialogue and so on. An art director or production manager provides the emphasis and keeps track of the film’s style in keeping the mood, colors, tones, sounds and feel in place. You get the idea (and I’ll address the writer’s job as art director in another post).

AP, however, is my personal style. When the manuscript is accepted, I’ll change to whatever the publisher dictates as style. The publisher may say to change ‘fifteen’ to ’15′ and provide a litany of other changes that all go toward being line with the publisher’s own brand of continuity. My friend Adam actually talks about his publisher’s style changes here.

They are easy changes, but I’m always surprised by the numbers of actual heated discussion that can break out over whether or not to spell out numbers. And, I’m always a bit fascinated when people step up and say they have the Holy Grail answer on the subject. I feel a little for these folks. This nitpicking usually happens while a manuscript is being made and not after. Worries like these shouldn’t surface until a manuscript is finished. For my own sake, if I’m using my own continuity, then few continuity/style changes will surface. If I’m in conflict about whether or not I should use ‘fifteen’ or ’15′ midway through a manuscript, I probably shouldn’t be writing that day, or maybe at all.

What matters is — over the course of 60,000 to 80,000 words, I consistent use that style so the agent, editor, and reader do not get confused. Writing ‘fifteen’ as ’15′ or vice versa won’t get a manuscript or story rejected. Neither will capitalization. But doing it different ways throughout could. Pair that up with some mispellings and grammar flaws, and then it’s a recipe for disaster.

If it helps, I usually perform my style check on the second read through (I’ll walk through my read-through process in another post). This is usually the fastest read through, because my sense of continuity/style is pretty tight.

So, how do you keep continuity tight? Do you have your own style manual? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Each week, I’ll try to make some recommendations on things both Internet and not, media and not.  We’ll call it Recommenday. You’re welcome.

This week, it’s time to focus on some of the things my friends are doing. I can’t capture everyone in this post, so if I didn’t catch you this time, my memory stinks and this column is recurring. So, from ghosts to the Grim Reaper, writing to great design, much of what many of my friends around the world is worth a look. So, in alphabetical order …

• Melanie Avila wrote about her life in Mexico until recently. Now she writes about her life in Western Michigan. She also ghost writes a blog about her dog, Owen. Owen came from Mexico and is trying to figure out freezing temperatures, billboards and everything else American. Great writing and Mel updates these sites daily. Mel does great design work. She also tweets.
• Karey Brown is the spouse of an Airman and writes novels. She’s VERY funny, too. She’s helped me adapt to my life in Europe and offered a few other tidbits in the process.
• The Webcomic Eben07 is published by Eben Burgoon and Dan Bethel. Dan’s art has grown stronger and the writing gets better each page. They’ve also branched out and are producing some cool side features. Dan sketches on these are just great. Check out their Facebook fan page, too. Eben07 tweets regularly.
• Chris Eder teaches yoga. He also talks about eating and living green on separate blogs. With his day job, he’s doing some great stuff with the American Forces Network in Italy.
• Stacey Graham started “An Army of Ermas” and is already receiving praise. The Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop awarded the site its comedy writers of the month for March 2010. Stacey is also a ghost chaser and is looking for an agent for the latest work about zombies. I’ve read excerpts. It’s funny and pops with life. Oh, and she tweets.
• June “Bug” Kramin embroiders things, which are brilliant. She’s also a fine writer who blogs about a great many topics, including her daily word counts, life in Minnesota, chickens and more.
• Kelly Meding has one published urban fantasy book, Three Days to Dead,  and will have another, As Lie the Dead, in July. The first got great reviews. The second will be better, I’m sure. She tweets and blogs.
• Scarlett Parrish has writing chops. That is to say, in almost everything of hers I’ve ever read, she writes damn good. Read her blog, too, but, again, not necessarily for the faint of heart.
• Adam Slade will have his first novella, A Reaper’s Tale, published by Lyrical Press Incorporated, in May. He just popped 100 fans on his Facebook fan page and  has a pretty good blog about writing and editing. He’s a nice guy and I’m looking forward to reading his novella. Oh, and he’s got this private eye thing …
• Sara Spock blogs about a greener life, among other things, on her blog. She’s also a contributor for the Army of Ermas.
• Chris Vadnais builds iPhone applications. He recently finished a quiz game for the iPhone about “Seinfeld” called “Nothing” and another about “The Office.” You’ll find his work in the iTunes store and on American Forces network broadcasting outlets across the globe.
• Julie Weckerline’s 365 Memories Photography business is taking off. She has a great eye and is having success in the DC area. She also blogs regularly about her family and life. Julie also does some design work as well, and also likes food.
• Lori Witt is has a wry wit and is a writer of erotica. She’s preparing to release her sixth book, but her material is sometimes not for the faint of heart. Her blog as the wife of a sailor is particularly worth following, especially for the photography and, well, wit. Buy her books, too.