Orbs

Orbs are small balls of light that sometimes appear in photographs and the like.  Personally, I don't believe in them.  I think they can be simply debunked as specks of dust, insects or dirty lens.  Now for ghosts, I do believe.  I've had "experiences" and believe that this time of year, they are more apt to walk the earth. 

The following are a series of photos I took the other night.  I looked at the lens and it was clean.  I'm a person that likes explanations and for these I have none.  Just that I've lost a lot of family in the last three years and maybe some came for a visit.

Waiting . . .

Waiting . . .

For the results from the first pass of the Fresh Blood Contest.

For August 25 . . .

For storm season.

We spend most of our life . . . waiting.

Contest

http://chizine.com/freshblood/

Week one is over and done. The beauty of it is, I have no idea where I'm at in the contest. I guess the best thing about horror writing is the madness that follows attempting to get published. Thank you to all that have voted. Your words of kindness and backing are priceless. The judges are brutal, but that's how you become a better writer. I also think it's interesting how views change so drastically between people.


The scary thing is at some point, I need to write more. I posted some of my other novel ideas in discussions on the facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hell-to-Pay-William-Brian-Johnson/270223159609?ref=mfI
have a rough draft of one done in need of major revisions. My KU folk might remember it. I know my Wichita friends do.
Thanks, Injun Ninja Joe and Shanghi Bob.

Love,

Hell to Pay: What a great strange trip it's been

There is a crazy journey writers take, called trying to get published.

I've had some success with anthologies in short stories and poetry, but #3 on the bucket list is getting a novel published.

"Hell to Pay" wasn't a simple project, it started with Bob and I telling bad puns. It took 2 1/2 years to write while learning how to craft a novel, and eight edits. Thank you Gordon and Brainstormers (Gary, Tonya, Julie, Courtney, Michelle, and Denise). Some of the darkest parts in the novel came from Denise telling me I wasn't trying hard enough.

It's tough, I've tried pitching to agents and editors only to get form letter rejections, but a year ago that changed. I started getting written responses. In the authors that I've talked to, that is a big step forward.

On a whim, I found a contest for unpublished novels by Dorchester and Chizine. I tried it out. Now, I'm in the top ten getting ready to start a six month contest that will test the limits of my patience and the ability of my liver.

Voting will start January 16th (around then) and will go for a month on http://www.chizine.com/. People can vote on the best first chapters. I will probably breathe my panic here and on facebook. As mentioned before the novel is number three on the bucket list.

Brian's Bucket List

#1 is have a posse of little people (dwarves, midgets, I'm equal opportunity)

#2 be able to shoot lightning from my fingertips and wear a cloak everywhere while people bow and mutter "Hail to you, Dark Emperor".

#3 Publish a novel

As time goes on and I'm sure no one is reading, I may post more.

2010 may be looking up.

Wow, now that's some writing

From the New York Post:

A secret sect of kung fu assassins could have silenced actor David Carradine as he delved into their shadowy activities, according to his family's lawyer.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/06072009/news/regionalnews/whacky_kung_fu_172948.htm

Go in Peace, little friend

Speck passed on yesterday after a brief fight with our other dog.

He was a constant companion, friend, and fixture in the Johnson household.

I'll miss the little shit curled up in my lap as I type or clawing at me as I sat at the desk trying to write.

Sometimes life can be cruel and intollerable. Sometimes we need a Speck to brighten the day.

Go in peace little friend.

Sundays and Sam Adams

Summer Brew came out. Usually I'd cheer it and go get a huge mug from one of the local bars, but I hate to say it, I really miss While Ale. The Spring Brew I think has become my fav, while the slight change to Summer Ales recipe has changed the taste enough, I find myself wondering how much I'll actually get this summer.



I mowed and edged today. The ground soggy in some parts and still waterlogged in others. I thought I'd have a lot more difficulty getting a mulch mower through it, and knew I would if I waited much longer.



When I finished, I went up and noticed everyone watching Elmo. Being completely burned out on the fuzzy red piece of shit, I grabbed a beer and went back downstairs.



I noticed the clouds were running in all different directions. This means the upper level winds were shifting with height, but since their were no storms going, it makes for a real pretty thing to fall into and watch.



Then I noticed the hawk.
We have some of the most well fed hawks in this area.























He was up there riding the thermals and almost levitating against the wind. He'd wheel around and gain a little height, then coast. Looking for food probably. Good thing my Chihuahua was inside.



This picture was zoomed in, then cropped. He was really up there.