Monday, October 6, 2008

Here and there

In the immortal words of a former colleague of mine ...

Many mini thoughts ...

The large publisher considering my series still hasn't responded, which probably isn't a good sign. I feel like someone trying to sell a house that you know is well-designed and in great condition but that no one can afford to buy.

The other night, I got got carded while buying a six-pack of beer. I'm 51. Before showing the cashier my ID, I asked her how old she thought I was. She said 32. My oldest daughter is 25.

Is it just me, or can Nov. 4 come not a moment too soon? That is going to be a sweet night. Go Obama!

Speaking of young looking, my youthful Tampa Bay Rays are in the ALCS. I am so proud of that team. The last time I was at Tropicana Field was in 2003. I left the game in the fifth inning with the then-Devil Rays losing big. And while walking through the concourse, I heard a roar and then a thumping sound. Hopping down the stairs was a shiny white baseball, and it jumped right into my hand. Turns out, it was a home run hit by Rocco Baldelli that had flown into one of the exits and bounced down into the concourse. The ball is autographed and on my mantel right now.

Ever since buying an extremely expensive Tempur-Pedic mattress, I have had zero lower back pain. This comes on top of having had lower back pain for most of my adult life. Awesome.

Since starting my job at the Greenville (S.C.) News five months ago, I haven't written a single word of fiction. But the News' online site, which I help to run, has set three consecutive months of record traffic.

I'm watching Saturday Night Live again after years of paying it no attention. My guess is, you know why.

I have an obsession with Diet Coke, but only between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Otherwise, I only drink water, orange juice, and light beer.

I have a best friend who is a born-again Christian, conservative Republican, and a fan of the Dallas Cowboys. I am none of these things. Yet the friendship remains.

I am such a fanatic about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I cannot watch the games live. Instead, I record the games and watch them only if the Bucs win. I even put a towel over the TV so that I can't sneak a peek as I walk by. My family knows better than to mess with that towel.

Did I mention that I haven't written a word of fiction in five months? Man, do I miss it.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Fingers crossed for the publisher and for getting time to write more fiction.

Kappa no He said...

Yep, I'm still sending all my good vibes to that big publisher. Any day now...

hang on...

Kappa no He said...

Oh, yea, you got carded! How friggin' awesome is that? I love it. Still, she thought you were thirty-two and carded you anyways. Cute.

Jim Melvin said...

It's one of those deals where the some of the stores around here have gotten into big trouble selling to minors. So I really don't think that these cashiers think that I'm 20. But even thinking that I'm 32 is pretty crazy! You ever get carded? Or is that not even an issue in your neck of the woods?

And thanks so much for the good vibes!

Anonymous said...

Before you know it, the publishing will be clear. Are you ready? It is quite interesting to receive a response in regards to your age, as it shows peoples admiration for you-yes we all like you, when we incorrectly predict your age. Your flow of writing feels alive and colourful, and I am happy to have stopped by. - The one who looks healthy and drink free.

Unknown said...

Hi, Jim. Don't give up hope! Have you thought about podcasting the first DW book to raise awareness and more of a following?

This was a slow summer for me, too. Just fell off the writing wagon all together. But now I am excited about National Novel Writing Month and getting back to blogging.

I can barely contain my excitement for Nov. 4 as well. After the election I'm really hoping to kick my addiction to political news. Between Keith and Rachel, that's two hours a day watching news when I could be getting on with my life. It's just so much fun!

haha Good luck with everything. Glad to hear work is going well.

Peace,
Bryan

Synopsis

The Death Wizard Chronicles is a sexy, action-packed six-book epic fantasy series: Book One (Forged by Death), Book Two (Chained by Fear), Book Three (Eve of War), Book Four (World on Fire), Book Five (Sun God), Book Six (Death-Know).

The DW Chronicles is not for children and teenagers -- or the faint of heart. But if you like graphic fantasy that is bursting with excitement yet still has a lot going on between the lines, I think you'll love my series.

In a groundbreaking paradox, the Death Wizard, a champion of good, derives his power from a source traditionally seen as negative -- death. His nemesis, an evil sorcerer, derives his power from the sun, the benevolent source of all life. Their struggle to control the fate of the planet Triken will take your breath away.

In an original twist never before seen in this genre, the Death Wizard is able to enter the realm of death during a "temporary suicide." Through intense concentration, he stops his heartbeat and feeds on death energy, which provides him with an array of magical powers.

The series also is a love triangle involving two desperate characters attempting to come together despite the machinations of an all-powerful psychopath with incestuous cravings.

Graphic and action-packed, spanning a millennium of turmoil, The DW Chronicles carries readers on a journey they will never forget.

Do you fear death? The Death Wizard does not. Find out why.

-- Please go to www.jim-melvin.com for more details.

About Me

My photo
Clemson, SC, United States
I was born in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., but grew up in St. Petersburg, Fla. I graduated from the University of South Florida (Tampa) in 1979 with a B.A. in Journalism. I now live in South Carolina near the Blue Ridge Mountains, a pleasant setting for writing, to say the least. I was an award-winning journalist at the St. Petersburg Times for twenty-five years and I currently work at the Charlotte Observer. I am married with five daughters.

The author

The author
Jim Melvin, a veteran journalist, debuts as novelist.