Friday, August 28, 2015

BREED AVAILABLE AGAIN....

Revised copy of BREED is once again available at createspace.com, and will be on Amazon.com in a few days. Had some issues with consistency of main characters name in original copy that for some reason neither myself nor my editor caught. Should be all good now.

https://www.createspace.com/5607002


Wednesday, August 26, 2015

EDITS BE DAMNED.

Unfortunately, had to make further corrections to print copy for BREED.  Publications on hold for a few days at Amazon.com. Updated copies will then be available. 

Saturday, August 22, 2015

BREED FIRST NOVELETTE PUBLISHED


 








My first novelette is now published. BREED was created originally because I had not yet written a science fiction story, and I wanted to do something in memory of my dad, and the copies of Galaxy Magazine that I used to steal from him when I was a pre-teen. Those magazines were my first introduction to Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, and Harlan Ellison. I wanted to write an adventure story, like the ones that first hooked me on science fiction.

Then an odd thing happened. I was caught up trying to read 50 Shades of Grey, mind you, only out of curiosity. I was so disturbed by how badly written the prose were, and how generally not sexy the book was overall, I never got past chapter 2. I realized I'd never tried my hand at any kind of erotica. I've never really felt any need to write about sex, and have in fact, been intimidated by the whole idea. But it made me curious to see if I could, in fact, write an erotic scene. Somehow that idea, and my idea for a science fiction story became intertwined, and that's how BREED was created.

I suppose, as a writer, I was a bit naive about the impact this story would have on readers. I took the original copy of BREED to a writer's group, and was, admittedly stupidly, surprised by the reaction that several readers had. They were offended by the nature of my interactions, and the scenes I portrayed for my lead character. Some of their comments made sense to me, and I did go back and do extensive rewrites. One of the comments had to do with the "rape" content of the story. I did not agree with that viewpoint very simply because, as a woman who has been raped three times in my life, I am very clear on the difference between rape as a real event, and fictional erotica. I honestly did not see any correlation in this story between the two. There are those who will disagree with this view, and as a woman and a writer, I respect their right to do so.

I then sent a copy to a professional editor at a popular science fiction magazine, telling them about the reactions I'd had, and asking their opinion about the sexuality of the piece. They felt the sex was not gratuitous, and fit the story. I then sent the story to my own editor, who had positive input.

I have been a reader and a writer all my life, and I have great respect for both sides of the view. Ultimately, the reader will decide how they feel about this story. I have been true to my imagination, and as a writer, that's the best I can do.

Friday, May 22, 2015

UPDATES ON DAYLIGHT PRINTING & WRITER'S ANGST

Finally, Mystic Moon is back in print at Amazon.com. My fantasy novelette, Daylight, is included. It's only .99c on Kindle and I doubt I'll see much money from the publishers. A strange brew to be sure. But at least they published my story, and for that I'm grateful.

 http://www.amazon.com/Mystic-Collection-Midnight-Magick-Fantasy-ebook/dp/B00ULQEO5A/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1432338334&sr=1-3&keywords=mystic+moon

or check out the website where all six stories are linked.

www.renarobinett.com


I decided recently that instead of badgering myself about writing a memoir for my husband; having to go to Maui and slog through two storage containers to find our old love letters and all my journals, I will write what I can today as a love letter. Maybe sometime later I will be inspired to put all that other stuff together, but to be honest, now it's just making me not want to work on what I have.

I was discouraged recently about ever getting published again, when I got a great detailed email from an editor about my erotic space drama. Firstly, disputed the input I got from a writer's group I declined to remain in who rebuked the un-PCness of my sex scenes, saying the sex was not gratuitous, and fit the story well. Gave me detailed instructions on what needed to be done in rewrite, and ask to see story after it was reworked. Thrilling! It's a tough rewrite, but I'm determined. Gave me a boost. I was so inspired I sent out several more stories.

I also emailed some people I hadn't heard back from, only to find out they never received my stories. So I got to resend them, and hope for positive response.

The final positive thing was an email I received from my tattoo artist who had gone online and read one of my stories, which she loved so much she's having her mom and her husband read it. She's also ordered Thuglit. It's great when you receive direct feedback from a reader! It makes it all so worth it, even though I've been writing since I was five years old with no one reading me.

I went to a book signing last night for Neal Stephenson's new book, SEVENEVES. Someone asked him how he created his characters. "That's like asking a dog how he scratches his fleas...it's just what I do." Best writing quote to date. Whatever the outcome, it's what I do.

Rena...

Friday, March 20, 2015

MY NEW WEBSITE AND OTHER STUFF...

I made this...My new website.


http://renarobinett.weebly.com/

Updated information on Fabula Press link for Aestas 2014 Anthology collection.

STALKER: Fabula Press 2014 Annual Aestas Anthology.
http://www.amazon.com/Aestas-2014-Miscellaneous-authors/dp/1503233790/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417143337&sr=8-1&keywords=aestas+2014

I have not heard back from the new publisher who took over the rights for Mystic Moon. I am waiting to receive the information for the second printing in Amazon. I was assured the collection would be reprinted.

I am now listed as an author in Goodreads, and all of my anthologies are available to review. Please take time to write a review, as this is an essential support for authors.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Daylight in print.

DAYLIGHT is now available online at Smashwords. 


DAYLIGHT. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/506000

STALKER. http://www.amazon.com/Aestas-2014-Miscellaneous-authors/dp/1503233790/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417143337&sr=8-1&keywords=aestas+2014


WHEELS http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DQ3PIZK/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

BRIDGES
http://www.inkapturemagazine.co.uk/2013/12/


BREATH
http://www.strangerviews.com/short-stories/breath-short-story-rena-robinett/

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Shout out for novel input...

It is now my choice to gather notes, files, blog entries, pictures, journals, and memories into one form called a novel. This is quite a task, and most days I'm sure I'm not up for it. Then I have those days when I just sit down for hours and do it. I would like to ask all those who have faithfully read, followed, joined, and maybe discarded my entries to re-read them. Let me know if there is anything you absolutely do not want me to leave out of my book. You needn't limit your comments to this blog. If there is any part of Kent and my journey that you would like me to tell, let me know. Or if you want to include a part of your journey with us, I will also consider those entries. I greatly appreciate your time, efforts, and input and will be sure to add your name to a long list of people I can thank when I actually have a book.  You can post your comments here, or email me at nomadrena@gmail.com

It is now my task to slog through pages and pages of blog writings, journals, notes and memories. I then need to attempt to compile all this material into a format called a novel. I invite you, all of you that have faithfully joined, read, or even discarded my blog to check in, re-read, and let me know if there is any material that you absolutely do not want me to leave out of my book. Your input will be much appreciated. You may add your comments directly on my blog. Or anywhere else you have contact with me.

Saturday, February 7, 2015

Today I started my novel, which will be a mixture of Kent's story, my story, and my grief walkabout - trip around the world. I've collated information into Scrivener and will start this process. It is daunting, starting a novel. And in some ways, especially nowadays when everyone is or wants to be, a writer. I don't just want to write a novel. I want to feel that feeling of ascending myself, going beyond who I am...going to that faraway planet where I've said something I could never imagine I had the wit, courage, or stamina to say. I remember when I first started writing short stories again, what a high mountain that seemed from beginning to publication. Now, although it's still a challenge, it's not the monster under the bed it used to be.

I have a graphic artist/editor who will help me with createaspace, and an artist friend who is interested in doing the cover. I have three possible titles. I'm thinking that I'll do a contest for the title, and maybe even do t-shirts, but that's just my imagination running away from the real work, which is facing what happened again. I envision a book filled with flashbacks, dreams, stories, photographs, based in grief and joy. I feel like I'm strong enough to write this book, although I know it is going to put me through some changes. Like I told a friend today, "I'm scared, but that's never stopped me." Wish me Luck.

Sunday, January 25, 2015

UPDATED PUBLICATION NEWS

I have the following stories either published or accepted for publication as of January 2015


SWAT VALLEY   Short Story-Fiction       Lotus-eater Magazine  May 2015 pending

DAYLIGHT  Novella-Fantasy    Mystic Moon Anthology  Phoenix Press  Available by email request. Soon will be available at Amazon.com

STALKER  Short Story-Noir    Aestas 2014 Anthology  Fabula Press
http://www.amazon.com/Aestas-2014-Miscellaneous-authors/dp/1503233790/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422231311&sr=1-1&keywords=aestas+2014

BREATH  Short Story-Fiction  Stranger Views
http://www.strangerviews.com/short-stories/breath-short-story-rena-robinett/

BRIDGES  Short Story-Creative Non-Fiction  Inkapture
http://www.inkapturemagazine.co.uk/2013/12/

WHEELS  Short Story-Noir  Thuglit Magazine Issue 6
http://www.amazon.com/THUGLIT-Issue-6-Kieran-Shea/dp/1490565221/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422231393&sr=1-1&keywords=Thuglit+issue+6