Sam Branch Novel Update

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Eric Dontigney

 

So, for anyone who was wondering – Yes, Virginia, grad school does make it harder to finish writing a novel. That being said, I have good news. There is progress on the new Sam Branch novel. I’ve written about 50 new pages on it and I am hoping to write another 50-100 more before the break between semesters ends. I’m not sure that will be enough to actually finish the novel, but it’ll put me a whole lot closer, maybe even in spitting distance, of being done. As with any skill set, I think I’ve learned a few things about writing since the last Branch novel was finished. With any luck, I will avoid the worst mistakes of the first novel, capitalize on the successful elements, and make a basket full of new mistakes to learn from on the next Branch novel.

Yep, you heard me right! I can now officially say that there will be at least one more novel after this one and possibly even two. I found myself working in elements that clearly point to another novel beyond this one, so for all of you who have been waiting so patiently for a return to the world of Sam Branch, there is more to come.

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On Eureka’s Cancellation

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Eric Dontigney

Disclaimer: This post is not about writing specifically, but it’s my blog and I’ll post what I want to. ;) Also, this first appeared on my Facebook page.

So, I’m a little late in the game for this, but I’d like to add my two cents about the cancellation of the SyFy series Eureka.  Ever since Sci-Fi changed its name to SyFy in a bid to begin rebranding itself as the network that hates its fan base, it has made a progression of decisions that make little sense. The much, and rightly I think, maligned decision to broadcast “professional” wresting, the reduction of scripted television in favor of “reality” TV programming, and a general distancing from the content that created the network’s viewership in the first place have all mystified me. Yet, there were occasional sparks of light and hope in the brackish swamp of the network’s thinking. The continued production of Eureka was such a spark. The production of Warehouse 13 was another. It was these occasional sparks that allowed me to console myself at the range of changes the network was forwarding as progress.

The cancellation of Eureka, however, is a sad thing for a number of reasons. I won’t pretend that my loss of personal entertainment isn’t one of them, because I wouldn’t be writing this if I didn’t like the show. I do believe, however, that this means the end of what I consider to be the best science fiction show produced this side of the Atlantic.  When I say best, I mean that in all around terms. This is a show that I wouldn’t hesitate to let a 12 year old watch or encourage a 60 year old to watch. I can count the number of shows I find that to be true of on one hand. It’s a rare thing to find a show that is actually family friendly without being trite to adults or condescending to kids.  It’s also sad to see it go because, hard as it is to imagine, they do actually work in some science content. It isn’t a science lesson pretending to be a show, but they appear to make an effort to talk about chemistry, biology and physics in not wholly erroneous ways. The writing on the show is solid. There’s always a nice mix of humor and seriousness that forwards the plot, maintains the atmosphere, and there’s a solid effort at character development. The characters aren’t static and seeing where they go from here, so to speak, is often half the fun of the show. The cast is clearly a dedicated group of people that put in very consistent performances. Colin Ferguson’s portrayal of viewpoint character, Sheriff Jack Carter, the everyman surrounded by geniuses, is award worthy.

I do realize, of course, that there are financial realities to consider about the show’s cancellation. It’s a fact that science fiction shows are expensive to produce. Even low-grade special effects are comparatively expensive when considered against the cost of throwing a couple (insert stock prop here) on a soundstage and having brooding male leads spar intensely with (insert random profession here) mumbo jumbo.  Broody, mumbo-jumbo sparring requires no CGI.  To this argument, I can only ask the network heads, do you really think the financial loss you take on one of the highest rated programs on your network is anything in comparison to financial loss you will take due to the epic ill-will the show’s cancellation will generate? Clearly, they believe it will be negligible. Perhaps they are right. The loss of Eureka is, however, one less reason for me to tune into SyFy and there are very few reason left for me to tune in. I will tune in for next year’s final season of Eureka. I will probably continue watching Warehouse 13, but I will not be giving any new SyFy programming a test run. I no longer know what demographic SyFy is trying to reach, but I do know that I’m not in it. I’m in the demographic that believes that cancelling highly rated, well written, family friendly shows is the way to demonstrate how little you actually value your viewership. This is clearly not the demographic Syfy cares about.

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Writing through the Brain Fog

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Eric Dontigney

 

We’ve all experienced the brain fog at some point. It’s the state when it seems as though all of your thoughts are packed in cotton and you’re trying to push them through mud. For some people, they can get away with that for a few days. Professional writers don’t get that kind of luxury. If you can’t think, you can’t write. Yes, you can probably get away with it for one day and just revise the bejeezus out it the next day, but only if the brain fog lifts. For the chronically sleep deprived, though, the brain fog can become a permanent state.

If you’re having trouble with the brain fog, but more sleep isn’t on your horizon, I have a few suggestions. The brain fog can be an indicator that you’re mildly depressed. You can try taking a vitamin D supplement. They’re available over the counter. You can also try getting some sun, not lots of sun, but some exposure most days. Sunlight encourages the body to make its own vitamin D. So, why vitamin D? The first reason is that I’ve suffered with brain fog periodically and I’m not what anyone would call a sun worshipper. I tried a vitamin D supplement and it really seemed to help me. The second reason is that the research seems to suggest a connection between adequate vitamin D levels and cognitive functions. Check it out here.

Get a bit of exercise. Exercise has lots of benefits that I won’t go into here, but exercise has been shown to boost mood, which in itself can help to lift brain fog. It also boosts circulation, which improves oxygen flow to the brain. I believe in the efficacy of exercise, both as a brain fog killer and a means to living a longer life. It can also serve double duty by giving you health benefits and getting you a little sun exposure. Even taking a walk every other day helps.

You can also try a nifty little thing called Piracetam. I’ve written about Piracetam here, but this is the part that matters. Piracetam appears to boost cognitive function. Basically, it appears to make your brain work better/faster. I’ve also used this as a method of dealing with the brain fog and found it to be very effective.

*I do not represent the interests of any vitamin manufacturer or pharmaceutical company. Nor do I advocate any particular brand of vitamin D or Piracetam.

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