The Kindle edition of Counterfeit Souls is free on Amazon until Friday, August 8! Click here to download it.
Update: Great download numbers so far. Thanks everyone!
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Monday, February 3, 2014
Looking at Rhode Island Employment:
Economics does not need to be complex for one to grasp a very basic "something is wrong here." I believe I've got an easy way to explain it using actual numbers and a tiny bit of work. The math adverse will still hate it but anyone with high school algebra can follow along.
Rhode Island is an easy state to review because the numbers are relatively small overall. If we go through a very basic exercise we will see the State is in quite a bit of trouble. First we look at Rhode Island's Census population estimate and work on the numbers. Here's the raw data. It's from the US Census and is about as accurate as we can get:
Population Estimate: 1,051,511
% of Population under 18: 20.6%
% of Population over 65: 15.1%
Private Nonfarm Employment: 406,222
We can then leverage other studies to determine the percentage of people living in the State who are 65 and over and are working. This gives us a margin for error, but it shouldn't be too high considering the data is from the American Community Survey a few years prior to the last Census. In this survey, we discover 6.3% of Rhode Island's population is 65 - 74 (with 23% of these individuals still working) and 7.6% is over 75 (with 5.8% of these individuals still working).
Now we need to take the population and remove all people who are not working due to being underage or over 65 (676,212) and then add in those people over 65 who are still working (4,635 who are over 75 and 15,236 who are between 65 and 74). This gives us a total of 696,083 people in the State who can work or are already working.
Let's subtract that from the employment number above and we have a final number of 289,861.
What this means is that every 1.4 working Rhode Islanders has to support 1 fellow Rhode Islander-- one who could work but isn't-- in some way.
Could be a non-working spouse.
Could be Unemployment.
Could be Housing.
Could be some other Government program.
Might be a State or Municipal employee (remember, the private workers have to pay State/Local salaries and benefits).
The big thing to remember here is that the working individual is not just supporting these other people. They also have to support themselves. No matter what the reason, that 1.4:1 is a huge ratio. And what makes it even more scary is that it doesn't even include the 216,611 children or the 138,907 people above 65 who are not working.
If we have another Recession (or, more accurately, fail to emerge from the one we have been in since 2007) States like Rhode Island are in deep trouble. Someone needs to take the lead and make some very difficult choices or who knows how bad things could get.
I wonder if we have the stomach for what that entails.
Rhode Island is an easy state to review because the numbers are relatively small overall. If we go through a very basic exercise we will see the State is in quite a bit of trouble. First we look at Rhode Island's Census population estimate and work on the numbers. Here's the raw data. It's from the US Census and is about as accurate as we can get:
Population Estimate: 1,051,511
% of Population under 18: 20.6%
% of Population over 65: 15.1%
Private Nonfarm Employment: 406,222
We can then leverage other studies to determine the percentage of people living in the State who are 65 and over and are working. This gives us a margin for error, but it shouldn't be too high considering the data is from the American Community Survey a few years prior to the last Census. In this survey, we discover 6.3% of Rhode Island's population is 65 - 74 (with 23% of these individuals still working) and 7.6% is over 75 (with 5.8% of these individuals still working).
Now we need to take the population and remove all people who are not working due to being underage or over 65 (676,212) and then add in those people over 65 who are still working (4,635 who are over 75 and 15,236 who are between 65 and 74). This gives us a total of 696,083 people in the State who can work or are already working.
Let's subtract that from the employment number above and we have a final number of 289,861.
What this means is that every 1.4 working Rhode Islanders has to support 1 fellow Rhode Islander-- one who could work but isn't-- in some way.
Could be a non-working spouse.
Could be Unemployment.
Could be Housing.
Could be some other Government program.
Might be a State or Municipal employee (remember, the private workers have to pay State/Local salaries and benefits).
The big thing to remember here is that the working individual is not just supporting these other people. They also have to support themselves. No matter what the reason, that 1.4:1 is a huge ratio. And what makes it even more scary is that it doesn't even include the 216,611 children or the 138,907 people above 65 who are not working.
If we have another Recession (or, more accurately, fail to emerge from the one we have been in since 2007) States like Rhode Island are in deep trouble. Someone needs to take the lead and make some very difficult choices or who knows how bad things could get.
I wonder if we have the stomach for what that entails.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
When opposites attack:
In the SF/F community there has been a high profile fight between a Tor.com blogger named Alex MacFarlane, Larry Correia, and Jim Hines over non-binary gender in science fiction.
Here are the stances, paraphrased:
Alex says, "I demand everyone write it, and I'm going to review books on the subject."
Larry says, "Write it if you feel like it, but it's probably not going to sell."
Jim says, "Larry is mean. I support Alex."
This has been going on for days across various mediums. I've read pretty much everything on the fight, but I think the reaction which most matched my own was John Brown's.
John basically says the best way to win over a group of readers when using unfamiliar characters is to write an awesome story. Story matters more than whether or not you use strange genders, strange powers, strange aliens, or anything else.
John is correct. Readers spawn writers, so it is imperative to reach the readers first. Without a can't miss story-- and sorry, if you are rehashing books that have failed commercially for decades you don't have a can't miss story-- focusing on the topic you want to see more of, you do not have the catalyst necessary for a sea change.
Speaking as a reader: Story is king and everything else is window dressing. I'll browse a book for window dressing but I buy for story. That's a big difference, and depending on your goals as a writer you may wish to take that into consideration when you are crafting your story.
For people who believe they are one of these various genders and want to find stories including people like themselves that might feel harsh. The truth often hurts. However, if you can't find a great story about the gender you are looking for... perhaps you should dig deep into yourself and tell the tale you wish you could read. The best fiction is born that way. Try it. You may be surprised with what you come up with and you may be pleasantly surprised by the reaction if it is truly that good. I guarantee a story wrenched from the soul is going to be a thousand times better than having someone else try to force it.
The goal shouldn't be "an end to the default of binary gender in science fiction stories". That's an authoritative "You will do this because I say so" attitude, and that will cause people to rebel. The goal should always be one thing and one thing only.
Great fiction.
Here are the stances, paraphrased:
Alex says, "I demand everyone write it, and I'm going to review books on the subject."
Larry says, "Write it if you feel like it, but it's probably not going to sell."
Jim says, "Larry is mean. I support Alex."
This has been going on for days across various mediums. I've read pretty much everything on the fight, but I think the reaction which most matched my own was John Brown's.
John basically says the best way to win over a group of readers when using unfamiliar characters is to write an awesome story. Story matters more than whether or not you use strange genders, strange powers, strange aliens, or anything else.
John is correct. Readers spawn writers, so it is imperative to reach the readers first. Without a can't miss story-- and sorry, if you are rehashing books that have failed commercially for decades you don't have a can't miss story-- focusing on the topic you want to see more of, you do not have the catalyst necessary for a sea change.
Speaking as a reader: Story is king and everything else is window dressing. I'll browse a book for window dressing but I buy for story. That's a big difference, and depending on your goals as a writer you may wish to take that into consideration when you are crafting your story.
For people who believe they are one of these various genders and want to find stories including people like themselves that might feel harsh. The truth often hurts. However, if you can't find a great story about the gender you are looking for... perhaps you should dig deep into yourself and tell the tale you wish you could read. The best fiction is born that way. Try it. You may be surprised with what you come up with and you may be pleasantly surprised by the reaction if it is truly that good. I guarantee a story wrenched from the soul is going to be a thousand times better than having someone else try to force it.
The goal shouldn't be "an end to the default of binary gender in science fiction stories". That's an authoritative "You will do this because I say so" attitude, and that will cause people to rebel. The goal should always be one thing and one thing only.
Great fiction.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
On work and working hard:
io9 has a question up about long hours and if they are a status symbol:
The general question they float is whether or not long hours are good. This can be tricky for people; I've found individuals I associate with enjoy their leisure time but (typically) also want to earn the best living they can. Where is the boundary between too much and too little work?
I'm a bit of an odd case, what with working at least a few hours of overtime every week, going to school, writing and publishing with varying degrees of regularity, and still having all my little pet projects going. In between all that I understand it's important to see the ladyfriend and relax a bit when possible. Personally, I define the boundary between too much and too little work as, "too tired to answer the bell." When my body begins to demand 10 to 12 hour sleep cycles it's a sign that I need to scale back for a few days.
In my opinion, the path to success is pushing yourself to lengths you thought were impossible. I'm at my best with too much to do and too little time to do it, and I personally enjoy it when I have an excess of responsibility. Millennials (like myself) have weathered a number of worsening economic conditions over the past 15 years and the long term outlook of my peers is hardly as rosy as it was for previous generations. Most hope they will do 'okay' but few with any experience in the labor market are absolutely certain they will do better than their parents or grandparents. Developing a powerful work ethic gives someone an edge over competitors who will flame out instead of putting in the additional effort, which is critical when dealing with 6.7% - 23% Unemployment depending on who you want to believe.
When I go back and study successful people of the past or present, I find an ironclad desire to work through all obstacles. An easy example is found in writers. The most successful authors were rejected dozens (or hundreds) of times with very few exceptions. I met a children's author when I was 17, and when I asked her how to succeed in her field she told me, "You will often be turned away at the door, so that means you need to find an open window to crawl through."
How many people look at their careers or their personal aspirations the same way? My guess is there are fewer who are willing to really do the work necessary to hit their goals without saying, "Meh... good enough." And all this doesn't even begin to get into the question of focused, intense practice.
So to answer io9's question: Yes, long hours are good. People are rarely overnight sensations and it's better off that way. Money and influence can only get a lazy person so far. Hard work is a gold standard all it's own, and one that never suffers from inflation.
80 years ago, long working hours seemed to be on the decline, with ideas like the six-hour work day being floated. Now, that trend has reversed — and so has the way we think about them.The New Yorker has a look at the way long working hours have become more accepted, and even sometimes a point of pride
The general question they float is whether or not long hours are good. This can be tricky for people; I've found individuals I associate with enjoy their leisure time but (typically) also want to earn the best living they can. Where is the boundary between too much and too little work?
I'm a bit of an odd case, what with working at least a few hours of overtime every week, going to school, writing and publishing with varying degrees of regularity, and still having all my little pet projects going. In between all that I understand it's important to see the ladyfriend and relax a bit when possible. Personally, I define the boundary between too much and too little work as, "too tired to answer the bell." When my body begins to demand 10 to 12 hour sleep cycles it's a sign that I need to scale back for a few days.
In my opinion, the path to success is pushing yourself to lengths you thought were impossible. I'm at my best with too much to do and too little time to do it, and I personally enjoy it when I have an excess of responsibility. Millennials (like myself) have weathered a number of worsening economic conditions over the past 15 years and the long term outlook of my peers is hardly as rosy as it was for previous generations. Most hope they will do 'okay' but few with any experience in the labor market are absolutely certain they will do better than their parents or grandparents. Developing a powerful work ethic gives someone an edge over competitors who will flame out instead of putting in the additional effort, which is critical when dealing with 6.7% - 23% Unemployment depending on who you want to believe.
When I go back and study successful people of the past or present, I find an ironclad desire to work through all obstacles. An easy example is found in writers. The most successful authors were rejected dozens (or hundreds) of times with very few exceptions. I met a children's author when I was 17, and when I asked her how to succeed in her field she told me, "You will often be turned away at the door, so that means you need to find an open window to crawl through."
How many people look at their careers or their personal aspirations the same way? My guess is there are fewer who are willing to really do the work necessary to hit their goals without saying, "Meh... good enough." And all this doesn't even begin to get into the question of focused, intense practice.
So to answer io9's question: Yes, long hours are good. People are rarely overnight sensations and it's better off that way. Money and influence can only get a lazy person so far. Hard work is a gold standard all it's own, and one that never suffers from inflation.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Paperback version of Counterfeit Souls:
Good news on the paperback book front:
Today I received the PDF of my book cover for Counterfeit Souls and successfully uploaded it to Createspace. After a review process, I should receive a proof copy (not unlike an ARC) and will then be able to start selling paper copies through Amazon and bookstores! This would be the first time I put out a paper copy, and I'm excited to see how it all turns out.
My hope is to have the paper book available by end of January. Earlier if possible. The book will be part of Kindle's Matchbook program, and I'm going to try and get an audiobook up through Audible by the middle of the year. I understand the audiobook process is lengthy but I think it will be worth it. And I'll be doing all of this while writing new books, attending school, and working full time.
It's a wonderful life.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
New Year:
There is a great quote attributed to Martha Washington, "I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition." Typically, I see this quote at the end of emails at work and sometimes in other places around the 'net. In my opinion the late Mrs. Washington is correct. Her insight does not make being 'cheerful and happy' any easier in difficult situations, but in my experience when one is determined to square his shoulders and make the best of it, that individual finds out things are not so bad as they first thought.
2013 was that kind of year for me. I recovered from a major back injury while starting a challenging new graduate program and decided to take writing seriously-- all while working full time. Later in the year, I also chose to climb a mountain and start learning Mandarin. Looking back, I think overloading myself with challenges while keeping a good attitude brought about a positive in almost every facet of my life. The number of challenges might have been a bit much, but they sure were fun.
2013 was that kind of year for me. I recovered from a major back injury while starting a challenging new graduate program and decided to take writing seriously-- all while working full time. Later in the year, I also chose to climb a mountain and start learning Mandarin. Looking back, I think overloading myself with challenges while keeping a good attitude brought about a positive in almost every facet of my life. The number of challenges might have been a bit much, but they sure were fun.
Looking ahead, 2014 will probably be similar. I plan on continuing with school and all my other projects, but this time I'm going to be a bit more systematic about it. To accomplish this, I've created a spreadsheet and hung a white erase board/calendar on my wall. The ability to track my success or failure each day should help me avoid doing everything by the seat of my pants. At least, that's the theory.
So here's to 2014. May it be productive as well as cheerful and happy.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
New ebook: Counterfeit Souls
The new ebook I promised is up! Feast your eyes on the cover for my newest ebook, Counterfeit Souls:
I've put more time and effort into this book than any other work I've ever done. It is my first attempt at humor, and I laced it with a dark edge. Think Good Omens, but a little more absurd, sci-fi styled, and more dangerous. This is a book I really think people are going to enjoy.
It follows two characters: Dr. Newton is a lazy genius and a poor human being who was handed a new Soul Forge business-- which he is running into the ground. The other is a demon named Zagan, the Demon protector of Counterfeiting. Zagan needs Dr. Newton for one of his schemes and will do anything to achieve his goals, but Dr. Newton is just looking for the path of least resistance.
I hope you will give it a try!
I've put more time and effort into this book than any other work I've ever done. It is my first attempt at humor, and I laced it with a dark edge. Think Good Omens, but a little more absurd, sci-fi styled, and more dangerous. This is a book I really think people are going to enjoy.
It follows two characters: Dr. Newton is a lazy genius and a poor human being who was handed a new Soul Forge business-- which he is running into the ground. The other is a demon named Zagan, the Demon protector of Counterfeiting. Zagan needs Dr. Newton for one of his schemes and will do anything to achieve his goals, but Dr. Newton is just looking for the path of least resistance.
I hope you will give it a try!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)