The Rogues Gallery Writers

The Method Writers

2011-01-28T13:33:00.000-08:00

In the course of any project, key times and situations arise that define their outcome. Each step builds on the last and each new element gets added to the collective momentum, for good or ill, until eventually the final product is born. The Rogues Gallery Writers progressively graduate toward our goal of a phenomenal novel every day.

This week we gathered and created our 'War Board' - a 4'x8' white board time-lining our characters scenes in the book. Coordination such as this is vital in order to pull off such an ambitious book. We're just about settled into location as well as time frame and number/length of chapters. One of the critical questions to be answered soon is 1st person present tense vs 1st person past tense.

The overall structure of the book is coming along nicely. We have a decent skeleton at this very moment. Once we fine-tune the next few items, our skeleton should be strong and ready to take on more definition. One of the blessings of working with professional writers on a project like this is the knowledge in the room each time we meet. We have enough expertise and talent to make this project soar.

The creativity. The individual writer's excitement. The experience of immersion in a think-tank situation. All this and more make this project probably one of the most memorable undertakings in which this Rogue has ever participated. Check out the new promo ad at the top right of this blog.

The Method Writers are coming your way. Beware!

Tuesday in Roguesville

2011-01-25T06:49:00.000-08:00

Writing blogs can sometimes be a chore, other times a delight. When it comes to the Rogues Gallery Writers' blog there's never a struggle other than what, of all the projects we're involved in, to write. Right now, Nancy is editing her fingers to the bone and no doubt writing something on the murder mystery side of life. Bridget keystrokes her book daily. She started it in November and at last update, she'll be done with the first draft soon. Jeff's new book is out, Flight From Fear, and he continues to work on his novel Such a Dreamer as well as a couple ghostwriting gigs. I am currently putting together a poetry book as well as a book on writing in addition to speaking engagements and attempting to grasp the overall chaos of publishing.

The project I'm excited about is The Method Writers. This novel already shows loads of promise. We believe our format unique enough to tantalize readers and challenging enough to push our writing expertise up a notch or three. Tonight, the Rogues have a new whiteboard to timeline on. Cobbling together the necessary tools to successfully achieve your goal becomes part of the thrill of writing. Observing the storyline grow in four colors before your eyes holds a high level of excitement only writers know.

Tuesdays in Roguesville are special times when we collectively make things happen, get things started and inspire each other. Busy people make things happen. When you're busy at the task of writing and you're surrounded by writers doing the same, the cares of the world step aside for your work rather than the reverse. Each week, another shot in the fingers, brain and heart revitalizes this writer. Have a great writing Tuesday!!!

Another Piece to the Puzzle

2011-01-18T13:15:00.000-08:00

As the Rogues move forward with our new, ambitious undertaking - The Method Writers - there pop up issues we must overcome. We've felt from the outset, four writers lend this book its most potential. Nancy Q hopped aboard and tonight our first meeting as a quartet comes pass.

We next must forge a game plan to take us from where we stand (basic character sketches and rough draft first chapters) to our goal - a top-notch, dark humor, character driven fiction to knock reader's glasses off their noses. Timelines must be drawn. Outlines created. Characters fleshed out and challenged. Loads of communication between the Rogues during the course of this novel must take place.

Since each of our characters will be interacting with each other, we must contact the Rogue writing a particular character in order to get that character's viewpoint or dialog and physical reactions to what is going on in the scene. Logistically only insane people would take this on. I suppose that's us in a nutshell, eh? (get it - NUTshell?)

Hey, I'm not beyond dry-humor puns. We've brought in yet another character promo to the site. Check out the three pre-production ads to the right. Each week we take another step forward. Soon, we'll spit out some projected completion-date goals. In fact, we will be releasing the book a couple chapters at a time (as mentioned in a previous blog post) on Kindle. This will enable readers to follow the creation of the book step by step. We are also looking at a deep-discount on the book to those who pick up the chapters as they come out on Kindle. Stay tuned with more on that front!

Another New Rogue!

2011-01-11T12:39:00.000-08:00

The Rogues Gallery Writers are beyond pleased to introduce Nancy Quatrano as our newest addition to the family. Nancy brings with her quite the writing resume. While I will leave the details to another blog, Nancy is an award winning writer, an incredible editor and a great person to know in the writing world. That she has stepped aboard with the Rogues is an honor to us!

We are now prepared to move forward with our ambitious undertaking - The Method Writers. Nancy will be stepping in for Rebekah as she is pregnant, writing a new book titled Pregnancy is Easy: as long as you are not the one pregnant as well as writing for American Baby magazine, Parents, promoting her book Motherhood is Easy: as long as you have nothing else to do for the next 50 years, raising her daughter and son and taking a breath every now and then. You can see why Rebekah had to take a break. One more project would send her over the edge...

As far as The Method Writers goes, we have an upcoming blog called, what else, The Method Writers and updates as well as promo ads will be posted here in the VERY near future. In fact, I'd be willing to bet there will be material up on the blog this week!

The logistics of what the Rogues are undertaking would boggle the mind. Let it be known something like logistics never stopped us! We truly feel we will create a must-read book. Make sure you check in on Rebekah as she progresses through the pregnancy. She's already posting blogs that make you smile. Jeff's character in the upcoming book is the promo at the top right-hand side of this post. Looks like loads of fun!

Make sure you check out the authors at the bottom of this post. Some are Rogues, some are friends.

New Year, New Project!

2011-01-04T19:09:00.000-08:00

The Rogues are at it again! After collaborating on Writing is Easy, a new project is brewing. The next book out by this group of writers is sure to grab your attention. Not simply from the first paragraph, but beyond the last word. The Method Writers aims to embed itself in your psyche.

The goal begins and ends with the intent to write compelling fiction that simply will not go away once the book gets laid down. If ever a group of authors could pull this off, the Rogues Gallery Writers head the list. In the coming weeks, teasers and promo ads will begin popping up on websites, blogs and other digital places.

Once production begins, individual chapters will be available as the book works its way through the production process. Yes, these chapters will not include the 'final' edits the book will ultimately possess, but these chapters will be strong and as I said, compelling. Check out the first promo ad above.

Once the first chapter is released, we should move at a pretty decent clip. Anyone who writes books knows this can be a process, but when we release chapter one, we will also have the next four chapters read so we can release chapters at regular intervals while we write more chapters. This is a great way to watch a book evolve!

Be sure to look for our new blog, hosted by Bridget, titled "The Method Writers". This blog will contain periodic updates on the progress of the book. We'll be posting the link here at Rogues Gallery Writers once it is up and running. Our goal is to have it ready by next week.

Until next time!

Meet New Rogue Bridget Callaghan

2010-11-30T11:56:00.000-08:00

The Rogues Gallery Writers welcomes new Rogue Bridget. In the coming weeks, our goal is that you find more updated material on this blog. Information like what we're up to and where you can find us. How our projects are moving along and when we expect completion.

Bridget joins the Rogues by invitation. She brings with her a Masters in Clinical Social Work as well as the experience of being the former editor/writer/owner of Coquina Coast Woman Magazine. This mag featured local women writers, business owners and general interest groups.

Currently she is working on two books. The first, a non-fiction, is titled The Year We Died and is due for completion in February, 2011. The second book, Hesher in the Rye, is a compilation of short stories and letters created for and written to her brother, Michael.

Bridget lives in Florida with her husband, Craig, her daughter, Riley, two bulldogs, Jake and Suki and her cat named Foo.

We look forward to her input and we are excited to undertake a major new project with her on board.

The Rogues Ride Again!

2010-10-26T06:14:00.000-07:00

Another year, another successful Rogues Gallery Writers charge into the Florida Writers Association Royal Palm Literary Awards! Rebekah Hunter Scott earned First Place in the book-length category Humor/Satire with her offering of Motherhood is Easy...as long as you have nothing else to do for the next 50 years. This book is a hilarious take on motherhood, heck, parenting! As a father I've read it five times and laughed each time. This is an absolutely well-deserved award.

Also winning at the RPLA's was Rogue Michael Ray King. He earned the top two spots in the Published Poetry category with the poems Melody of a New Dawning and No One's There. Both of these poems come from the book Loves Lost and Found which won a First Place RPLA in 2009 for the poem Rendezvous. Rogue King also earned a First Place finish for Why Me? in the Unpublished Short Story category.

Now is the time for all good Rogues to gear up for next year. In order to win awards like this, a writer must have his/her material written and edited by spring. Not much time if you wait until January to write, so it's back to the keyboards Rogues!!!

We're Planning a Party

2010-09-14T18:35:00.000-07:00

Yes folks, the Rogues are planning a party for October 2, 2010 at 11:00am at A Taste of Portugal in Palm Coast. We will have loads of fun.

First and foremost, the release of Writing is Easy will take place. All four authors will be on hand to autograph copies of the book as well as read brief excerpts from the book.

We also will be putting on a Bunko game. This fast-paced mixer is loads of fun and prizes (books) will be given away for the top scores in three categories!

We also will have a Guess the Author Quote Sweepstakes. 24 quote will be listed on an author quote tree (and on paper), 8 quotes from each author. The guest who correctly identifies the most quotes owners will win a autographed copy of Writing is Easy.

Also, artist and Rogue Tracy McDurmon will be raffling off one of her paintings valued at $400.

AND!!! The Rogues are putting on a silent auction of their books. Simply go by the front table just inside the restaurant and write in your bid on the books. The top bidder at 2:45pm will be announced.

A buffet will be available for those who wish to eat and drink. The buffet will include salad and tea as well as whatever meat offerings A Taste of Portugal serves up. A vegan or vegetarian buffet will be offered at the same low price of $10!!!

Come on out and join in the fun!

Oh yes, one last thing. Anyone who responds early that they will be attending will receive an autographed copy of the mini-book More Writing is Easy.

See you there!

Let's Write!

2010-08-30T11:13:00.001-07:00

The Rogues Gallery Writers gear up each day to get word out about what we do. We write. Yes, one of us is more artist than writer, yet she often out-writes the writers. The book Writing is Easy is already available online and in ebook and Kindle versions as well. In fact, one of the best bargains out there is www.booksonboard.com where Writing is Easy is available for the ridiculous price of $9.98. That's nearly $10.00 off the book price!

The Rogues are also offering a small mini-book titled More Writing is Easy coming out in October. This smaller book contains additional material that was not ready at press time of the larger book, so if you couldn't get enough Writing is Easy, jump on the mini-book as well at www.clearviewpressinc.com

The book release party promises to rock the house, or at least Barbara Jean's restaurant in the European Village in Palm Coast, Florida. We'll be: raffling off a $400 painting by Tracy ($20 per ticket), giving away door prizes, giving prizes (Rogues' books) to winners in three categories in the bunko game, having a silent auction of ALL Rogues' books, putting on a "Guess the Author Quote Contest" where the winner will receive an autographed copy of Writing is Easy, and the Rogues will be reading an excerpt from the book. There'll be a great buffet and fun for everyone!

All this happens on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 11:00am to 3:00pm. Making a go of it as an author or artist today requires each person to be part insanity, part stupidity and part bravery. Most of all it calls for a passion to pursue a dream that often runs contrary to society. All of us (Rogues) ask for your support in birthing our baby (Writing is Easy) as well as your support in our effort to step out and do something most people would flee.

Support comes in many forms. Positive affirmations are always good, and nice reviews of our work to others as well. I'm going to say it - money is a great form of support as well. Please consider that each book purchased helps us to continue to pursue our dreams AND produce entertainment for people who love to read. Who knows, one day some of our work my make it to the big screen.

Dreams like that do not go anywhere without the backing of wonderful people. Please consider what you would be willing to do to help aspiring writers and artists along the road of their dream. One thing's for sure - the Rogues do not rest. We're still writing. We're still producing. Each new project is an opportunity to grow. Each day we learn more and therefore write more. Join us, won't you, on October 2nd? Just your show of support at the book release party is significant.

You can inspire us to continue our battle cry - Let's Write!

Book Bunko Bash!

2010-08-05T06:50:00.000-07:00

Writing is Easy, the collaborative effort of the four Rogues, is now available. In massive celebration, the Rogues Gallery Writers are throwing a book/bunko bash. This event will combine books art and fun with great food and excellent interaction.

Mark Saturday, October 2, 2010 on your calendar. Barbara Jean's restaurant in the European Village is the location. The party will run from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Here's some of what will be happening:

Bunko. Anyone who has not played this crazy, mindless game will be thrilled to learn that there are no strategies, no high-brow thought processes nor dexterity involved. As long as you can roll dice and scream at them, you'll be fine. For those who've played, well, we understand your addiction...

Raffle. Rogue Tracy will raffle off a $400 painting at the end of the party. Her artwork graces the covers of Writing is Easy and Loves Lost and Found as well as having loads of interior paintings in the book Loves Lost and Found.

Door prizes and readings. During the course of the bunko game, breaks are scheduled at specific times. During these breaks, a Rogue will read an excerpt from Writing is Easy and then a door prize will be handed out to a lucky winner. For you die-hard bunko-ers, this intrusion will be brief and you will be able to soon return to your regularly scheduled game addiction.

Food. Barbara Jean's will offer a buffet to anyone wishing to eat during the festivities. This will allow bunko players to graze at their leisure as well as the authors who no doubt will want to stuff their faces between autographs.

Books. The Rogues Gallery Writers are busy little writers. They have five books between them and all will be on display (and for sale) to the right when you walk into Barbara Jean's. The authors will make themselves available to sign autographs or hang out the whole time. Yes, we won't be able to play bunko, but I bet we can sneak away and sub for someone for a few tantalizing rolls of the dice!

Book prizes. The Rogues will give away books as the bunko prizes for Most Wins (Writing is Easy), Travels (Flight From Fear), and Bunkos (Loves Lost and Found). These books will be autographed not only by one Rogue, but ALL the Rogues!

This will be a gala event, loads of fun, books, prizes, raffles, food and great people. Evites will be sent out soon. Please sign up as we are targeting 100 guests and need to know how many will be attending so that Barbara Jean's can prepare the requisite amount of food.

And buy a book! The Rogues will be thrilled to autograph it for you!

The Rogues They Are A Rollin'

2010-07-27T14:38:00.001-07:00

Crunch time. The Rogues Gallery Writers have seen this day coming for years. Now, the day soon becomes reality. With the release of Writing is Easy Rebekah, Tracy, Jeff and Mike have a lot of things to handle.

One of the largest is the book release party. The plan to have a Book Bunko Bash party now moves to the fore. October 2, 2010, one day after the official release of the book, the Rogues will gather at Barbara Jean's in the European Village in Palm Coast for their big kickoff shindig. There will be buffet style food, a raucous bunko game with prizes as well as the four authors selling and signing books.

Invitations will be sent out through online media. Only the first 100 will be able to get in, so a list will be kept on a first come, first served basis.

The Rogues are also scheduling speaking engagements. Once they get the first couple under their belt, they will soon be touring schools and organizations with their knowledge of writing and publishing as well as their humor.

Ok, writing all this in third person is really beginning to irritate me. We do plan to get out to schools with the intention of inspiring young writers to get diligent about their dreams and aspirations.

We are motivated. We are great writers. We have spunk. We have moxie. We will be heard and we will leave our mark. My sincere hope is that we have a positive effect and that we encourage and inspire those who need such intangibles. We know there are many who need this as we ourselves have simply needed someone to believe in us and inspire us as well.

The Rogues Gallery Writers - on a mission to inspire writers. We're rollin'!

Writing is Easy

2010-07-08T11:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, writing may be easy, but the time spent promoting can be overwhelming. Our new book - Writing is Easy is now at the printer. We are waiting on the proofs, then we go to print and a whole new Rogues Gallery Writer needs to emerge.

We have websites to develop and update. We have blogs to write, interviews to schedule, reviews to seek out and potential buyers to find. This is an arduous task that requires dedication to our book, our craft and our vision.

All of us desire to get "out there" and make this happen. Desire is a critical ingredient to getting a book to take off. But desire is nothing without action. Action comes in the guise of hours normally spent elsewhere being put to use in doing the above actions that create a 'buzz'.

A book without buzz is a doorstop. As Rebekah is learning with her excellent, excellent book - Motherhood is Easy, constant promoting is the way to success. Even minimal success. The first 100 to 200 book sales come easy. Friends, family and acquaintances buy either out of love, support, curiosity or simple kindness.

The public at large is a different animal. They don't give a shit about our book. We must do something to create excitement or interest. The reading public has no vested interest in us. They couldn't care less whether we sell s single copy.

We feel strongly that our book is viable, interesting and helpful to writers. We also feel the book is viable, interesting and entertaining to fiction readers. Just because we feel this way does not mean anyone else does. We must transfer our feelings by infusing the book buying public with our enthusiasm.

The prospect of hours building websites and creating content can be viewed drudgery or investment. Obviously one view contains much more oomph than the other. These are the Renaissance Days of publishing. We're breaking out of the Dark Ages of publisher domination and exploitation and entering a brave new world.

Marketing and business savvy are critical if writers wish to take advantage of their new found freedom. Look for the Rogues Gallery Writers to step up and make things happen. We will be looking for anyone who will listen to our message. We will be looking for every writer who dreams of publication but has been stonewalled.

Writing IS easy. The rest is just plain ol' fun!

Writing is Easy

2010-06-14T10:44:00.001-07:00

Anyone who's had to put a book together knows how exasperating the last stages can be. The Rogues' new book, Writing is Easy is no exception. As we head into the final stretch, there are loose ends all over the place that must be taken tied up.

As a group, we've been working on this project for over two years. It doesn't seem worthwhile to look at time spent but more at future time committed to the project. Wrapping a book up takes patience and a lot of effort. Then the real fun begins.

The Rogues are planning a promotional agenda that will involve many fronts and will no doubt challenge us to step up to larger issues in our writing careers. The only way to do this is to jump in and make things happen. A lot of people can't handle making things happen. They want everything handed to them.

Fortunately, we've been in this business long enough to know it takes work, dedication and commitment. Will we step up? Are we stubborn enough to keep plodding along even when we don't feel it? Stick around and see.

Writing truly is easy. It's the stuff that comes after the writing that tests the gut. The Rogues plan on persevering...

Motherhood is Easy

2010-05-24T08:39:00.001-07:00

Fellow Rogue Rebekah is hot on the trail of stardom. I know I've posted about her book recently, but I think it's important to note that she is continuing to market and promote. This is the way of the author. You slave over a book for months, sometimes years and then you find the bulk of the work is yet to be done.

Most new writers have no clue. Intellectually you can possess this information and then get your book published only to find you had no real idea what it takes to be successful in the writing world. Success once your book is out is all about persistence. It's a number's game, folks!

Writers tend to hate that. Writers tend to be idealistic. Writers tend to see the world in their creative minds rather than the cold, calculating world view. If you have a good book and do not market and promote, it will go nowhere. If your book fairly sucks and you market and promote well, your book can actually make some noise.

This REALLY pisses writers off. There is a wrongness there. Something is amiss.

Then, if you have a GREAT book like Motherhood is Easy and you market and promote, all it takes is one person in a strategic position to read it and it will go viral. Viral is the key these days to huge success. In order to get there, you must produce quality and you must market and promote - with passion.

Rebekah found that she loves to market and promote. This is one of the two areas writers fall flat on their face usually. To create a GREAT book AND love to market and promote stands as the simplest road to success in writing.

The other area writers fail is that they're willing to sell their souls to get published. If writers would take the time to gain some business savvy, they would tell the publishing machine this - "Hey! I'm the one creating content. Without me you would have no movies, no books, no magazines, etc. Pay me what I'm worth and stop hogging all the money!"

Unfortunately most writers will either take next to nothing to get published or they will pay through the nose with no real way to recoup their money. Rebekah has made some very smart decisions and is on her way. She will go as far as she is willing to push, and she has the opportunity to make money as well.

Motherhood is Easy is an excellent example of a book done right in these crazy days in the publishing industry. My sincere hope is that Rebekah continues to push it and one day finds those numbers that show all her hard work was worth it. Check the book out. I guarantee you will laugh. Then think about how you might be the next person to create a successful product.

The Rogues Gallery Writers are looking to do just that!

Writing is Easy is on the Way!!!

2010-05-17T17:42:00.001-07:00

The Rogues Gallery Writers meet this week to discuss marketing ideas for our first book, Writing is Easy. This book is actually a number of years in the making. It's been through the edit phase with final re-writes being completed as I key this. This book's primary purpose is to challenge other writers to get out there and make things happen with their craft.

The days of write-and-hope are over for those willing to listen. We have a message we want the writing community to seize upon - you can get your writing into print in front of as many people as you are willing to work for. Once your book is published, the real work begins, so whether you sell 5 books or 5,000 will depend mostly upon you the author.

There is no reason for you to be at some publisher's mercy though. You can get your book published, the only question is do you have the desire and fortitude to see it through, and if you do, do you again have the desire and fortitude to market and promote.

Marketing and promoting are what makes or breaks a book. I'd love to write that it's content that makes or breaks a book, but alas, that is not true in this day and age. A great marketer can sell a shitty book, and a pathetic marketer can ruin a classic. That's the world we live in folks. Rage against the machine all you like, but remember, this machine is what feeds writers money. If you want to make a go of writing, you need to learn how books are sold today.

All that said, the Rogues Gallery Writers have some work to do Thursday. We have to plan a marketing campaign and assign tasks that will implement the plan. This can be tedious, but fun as well. I'll let you know what we come up with...

Notoriety

2010-05-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

Observing the reviews written about fellow Rogues Gallery Writer Rebekah Hunter Scott, I'm learning that a little bit of controversy can go a long way when it comes to marketing and promoting. One online reviewer raved about the book - Motherhood is Easy - except for two little sentences that took minor exception to some four letter words in the book.

Now, there are no f-bombs, and actually, what passes for four letter words in the book, by today's standards, don't even qualify as a hiccup in social speech. But the opportunity to chime in on this issue brings with it some needed notoriety. Getting others to comment on the blogger's review can help ratchet up the publicity as well.

Another blogger wrote a somewhat tongue-in-cheek piece about the plethora of books out there on Amazon about Motherhood. This author wrote a humorous comment after each title she listed. When she stumbled across Motherhood is Easy, her comment was, "Obviously written by a man."

This is a huge opportunity for Rebekah to connect with someone. This is one way to market a book. Find people saying something about your book that is a little off, and then turn it to your gain.

As the Rogues Gallery Writers gear up for the release of our collection of short stories, Writing is Easy, we will need to keep these types of opportunities in mind. A negative comment can turn into something positive if you just step back and figure a way to do it.

The Rogues Gallery Writers will be looking for tons of notoriety very soon. We will be blogging and guest blogging, interviewing on radio and signing books. We will also be looking for negative statements and finding ways to put a positive spin on them.

Viva le Rogues!

New Kid in Town

2010-05-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

Rebekah Hunter Scott.

Remember the name folks. She dove from the heavens and now rides the waves of success in the writing world. Ok, so she just struck her feet to the trek, but Rebekah defies all odds when it comes to writing and marketing and promoting.

Numerous radio interviews, magazines publishing excerpts and wanting articles, speaking engagements and successful book signings, Rebekah defines what a writer needs to do to be successful in this most competitive field of endeavor. Check out her website: www.motherhoodiseasy.com.

She's fresh, sassy and knowledgeable about not only her craft but the things she chooses to write about. Rebekah grabs spotlights, not for herself, but the hilarious antics the children wreak upon mothers. AND fathers.

I'm telling you here and now - her book - Motherhood is Easy - stands as one of the most hilarious books I've ever read. Rebekah's humor strikes at the heart of any parent. Yes, ANY parent. Dads will find this book fun as well.

Rebekah is a Rogue. She defines what our group is all about - writing good books. We have more to come, but for this moment, stash away in your brain the name of an up-and-coming author to be reckoned with - Rebekah Hunter Scott!

"DEAR PANTHERA"

2010-04-13T06:30:00.000-07:00

Well it seems I have become sort of a, Dear Abby, just call me DEAR PANTHERA!!!! So I will continue my blog and help where I can. Seems some have questions and no answers ,answers and ,What was the Question? always ask questions, question everything, show your enthusiasm for life , show your wonder for the world around you, awaken yourself to your world.

I would be glad to answer any questions, but remember it is simply my perspective from my point of view, my truth, my journey, our journeys are not the same, we may have many similar experiences, and feelings on many different matters may even be common, but only you have the real answers to all your questions, inside you!

Yes ,you have all the answers ,to all the questions in the universe, simply get quiet with yourself and ask the questions and "LISTEN" to the voice inside you! Your inner guidance will lead you to the right answer, sometimes it comes in the form of a symbol, or song, or simple repetition of a phrase, every person who enters your life has a message for you, just got to pay attention and become aware of your own surroundings and trust yourself to recognize the answer, remember not to let that EGO get in your way.

"Gather information filter it through your heart!"

I have just answered the question that was asked of me, I hope it helped. Self reliance is the only answer, not to let others sway your knowing, with their own version of the truth. Make it a Blessed day, moment by moment...and thanks for your confidence in me, to understand and offer an honest "point of view through my eyes", I know it is hard to find in this world, but keep the faith...and shine on..."Tracy"

tmcdurmon@cfl.rr.com tracypanthera Iamaworkofart@blogspot.com

Rogues Gallery Writers Secret

2010-04-08T10:38:00.001-07:00

Psst! I own a special secret every writer clamors for whether in word or deed... I know why the Rogues Gallery Writers command respect. I know why other writers get jealous over the Rogues Gallery Writers - both those writers who know us and those once they discover us - are you ready?

Get pen or pencil, take this down...

The Rogues Gallery Writers make good things happen.

"That's it?"

C'mon! Check out the verb. Yes, the verb is a bit passive. It sits there like a lame duck hoping the fox doesn't notice it. Yet if you care to look deeper, you see that this verb defines the line between those writers who piss away their writing lives moaning and groaning and the writers who accept awards and sell books.

Books no more sell themselves than they write themselves, yet I see writers every day who sit around waiting for something to happen. I go to writer's group meetings where authors submit their work for critique but don't listen to a damn word of sound advice. These authors pompously cling to their "that's the way I write" mantra while the poor reading or listening audience cringes as adjectives clank off of tired cliches.

The Rogues Gallery Writers stay hungry. We strive for excellence. We're involved, motivated and talented. The one ingredient we have that others pine for comes down to sweat equity - we put in the time and effort to learn what we need to move forward, then we do it. We make good things happen.

I could list the books we currently torque through out souls, three of them on the verge of completion. I could list the articles we write that make us money. I could list the stories we submit for awards. But why brag? Everyone's going to see soon enough.

My sweet little secret about the Rogues Gallery Writers making good things happen should inspire energetic writers to move forward in their craft. All the others will continue to defend mediocrity or less...

Another Rogues Gallery Writers News Post!

2010-03-31T20:34:00.000-07:00

Greetings from New York! Yes, tonight the Opinionated Guys radio show was partially "Live from New York, it's Wednesday night!" I'm visiting my sister in Cazenovia, NY. Every Wednesday night I'm part of a trio of guys who cast their opinions on the waters and see what floats back.

So far the response has been mild. Ok, bland. Ok, tasteless? We hit on an number of subjects ranging from the "red light cameras" that are milking the populace in the interest of municipal funding, a strip joint in South Carolina catering to boys ages 12 to 19 and dumb crook news.

Lots of laughter tonight. If you'd like to check us out, go to www.opinionatedguys.com.

Other Rogue news - Motherhood is Easy, the brainchild (pun intended) of Rebekah Hunter Scott (I just love keying her whole name - it sounds way cool), took another step forward today. The first proof is ready. We should be receiving it any day now. If we've done our job well (when don't we?), we'll have salable books next week! This would be HUGE!!

Hmm. That just did not do it for me. How 'bout this? HUGE! We are way excited about this turn of events. Rebekah has been working hard at marketing and promotion and we feel it should pay off for her. Holler it to the hills!!! Rebekah Hunter Scott is entering the publishing fray!! She'll kick some ass too, by the way...

I am working on Margie Lawson's "Empowering Characters' Emotions". This lecture series is incredible. If you wish to ratchet your craft of writing up a few significant notches, you should look into this. Margie is wonderful and she explains her system in easy to follow detail. She's a great person as well!

If I get it together over the next couple days, I should have my next book ready for its first run of edits. This may be a very large IF because so far, I've struggled to tighten up one short story over the course of two days. We writers have way too many issues...

The Rogues Gallery Writers are still hot and steamin' toward our writing goals. We're in "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead" mode. We will make 2010 our year. One quarter of the way through, I feel we've made great headway.

Stay tuned. We'll amaze you eventually....

Rogue News

2010-03-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

The Rogues roll down the publishing highway at breakneck speeds these days. Rednekah's new book - Motherhood is Easy...as long as you have nothing else to do for the next 50 years... - will be ready for sale May 1, 2010. Her book release party will be held April 29, 2010. At this party the top three contestants from her contest - Write Your Funniest Mommy Stories - will be announced. Find the rules at www.motherhoodiseasy.com.

BloodTrail's book nears its edit stage shortly with publication due by Summer 2010. The book is a biography of a Rabbi who survived the Holocaust in Poland in the 1930's and 40's. This compelling book stands strong as a first person account of life and overcoming fear and prejudice. BloodTrail does not slack off. Another book project lined up for him as well as his American Scream novel which he still strokes some keys on every now and then.

DarkThorn flies off to New York next week (Syracuse) for a writing vacation. Yes, writers love to write on vacation. In fact, nothing can quite satisfy a writer more than a week away from distraction and the green light to fly on the keyboard. DarkThorn finishes up his new book, The Writing Life while he's up there as well as a number of other writing projects. Stay tunes for more news.

The Rogues Gallery Writers will rock 2010!

The Rogues Return!

2010-03-11T12:01:00.000-08:00

Wow! Long time no see, eh? I believe the fact that we have not posted since November means the Rogues have been a busy bunch! No doubt of that. Rebekah has her book, Motherhood is Easy in the final stages of publication. Her build up to the book launch is nothing short of impressive - blogs all over the place, radio interviews, book excerpted in American Baby magazine, possible articles in Parenting and Parents magazines and a book launch party. Those are only the tip of the flaming iceberg. If any writer wants to see how a book is prepared for launch, look no further than Rebekah Hunter Scott. Remember the name. She's going places in the writing world!

BloodTrail is busy getting his ghostwritten, award winning book up to publishing speed. The book as you will recall, won an RPLA award for unpublished autobiography. Mr. BloodTrail has been diligently pursuing this project so he can move on to his next book titled American Scream. 2010 is the Rogues Gallery Writers' year!

Panthera has been painting her little heart out and taking care of the younguns. Inspiration is always a brushstroke away with her. I need to get up with her to see just what she's been into lately.

I'm working on getting back on the blog trail as well as Hub Pages (www.hubpages.com then look up Michael Ray King). I'm also cleaning up my first draft of The Writing Life, a book addressing the business side of writing and publishing. My goal is to have this book available for sale by mid April. This may be a bit aggressive as I still have loads of editing and re-writing to do, but if you don't set a goal, you won't reach one!

All in all, the Rogues are back and we're ready to kick some ass! Writers with attitudes. Check Rebekah and I out on Wednesday April 3rd at 9am on the radio. To listen live online go to http://www.wnzf.com/. There is an archive of past radio shows we've done, most notably March 3rd. Click on archives, then look us up on "Open Mic at 9" or check out the link on our websites.

Back to the writing world. Remember to purchase a Rogues Gallery Writer T-shirt at http://www.clearviewpressinc.com/! These shirts are cool and guaranteed to get you attention!

Bunko Bash

2009-11-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

Bunko arrives to our town next week folks! This mixer loads fun, social networking and prizes into one fun-filled afternoon of insanity. If you do not care for crowd, high noise levels (people's voices yelling at dice) and tons of food, this event should not make your calender.

If, perchance, you enjoy meeting new people, you love to play games and you don't desire to use your brain too much, Bunko fills the bill for you. We (the hosts) give out prizes for this game of total chance. Originally, we scheduled this Bunko Bash to be a Book Bunko Bash, but delays due to contracts and editing caused us to go with the normal arrangement.

Books dominate the list of prizes for this year's Bunko party. Publication and delivery dates determine which books make up the prizes for the winners in our three prize categories. As is often the case in football, game-day decisions on which books land on the prize list must be determined at the last minute.

Stay tuned, there may be posts that contain this information before next Saturday, December 5, 2009 which so happens to be our Bunko Bash!

Woo hoo!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving is the first for the Rogues Gallery Writers. Even though we've been together for going on three years, we were originally known as the Legare Gang. Everyone has something to be thankful for in this life. Sometimes we are blinded by the challenges we face, but we all have some morsel to truly cherish.

With respect to the Rogues, I am thankful for being associated with talented writers who are dedicated to furthering their knowledge of craft AND furthering their writing careers. This gig (writing) is not for the faint-of-heart. Writing requires, yes I mean requires, dedication, perseverance, discipline and constant maintenance.

This load can be more than heavy. It can crush your spirit. There are times when you feel you will never move forward. Times when you feel you can't write a simple sentence much more a brilliant one. Therefore, reveling in the company of fellow strugglers is something to be more than thankful for, even more than grateful for.

We walk through the writing battlefield together. We have each others backs. We're there when one of us needs an encouraging word. We're there with honest critiques.

Thank you fellow Rogues. I hope I can give back all that I get from you.

Blog Days

2009-11-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

Fellow writers! Come one! Come all! There is no reason to fear this blog thing!

Blogging is essential to furthering your writing career. Swallow that. Digest it. Do not fear it. Blogging is the simplest of writing. This makes it some of the most fun writing you will do. Grammar is not required, although I'm sure you don't need to be putting out total crap.

Blogging is supposed to be a 'web log' or diary of sorts. A blog should bring people up to date on what is going on in your writing life and where you are going. You could even throw in a current event piece if there is something on your mind out there in the 'real' world.

Blogging must be consistent. This is the one that intimidates would-be bloggers. "I don't have time" is the common cry. Hogwash! You should post a blog at least once a week. I post every Monday on three different blogs and one blog no one knows about I often post to more than three times a week.

For the three I post to every Monday, I set aside one day at the beginning of the month and I write four pieces for each blog. That is a total of 12 blogs containing 200-500 words each. Basically I write around 2500 - 6000 words that day. Not too tough. This takes me about two to five hours. I then "schedule a blog to post on each Monday of that month. My blogging is then complete!

I do have that other blog I post to whenever I get the urge. Also, if something pops up that I wish to add to my Fatherhood blog, I can write it and post it immediately. In this manner, people coming to my blogs have fresh content each and every week. Look at this blog. There are consistent posts from me. There are also posts from my fellow Rogues, but that is a message for another day. They post to this blog as well and the ability for them to do that is set up very easily.

Use blogs to promote your writing. You need to get out there and get exposure. Blogs are free, simple to set up and even easier to manage. Do not cop out with the 'no time' excuse. Set up a blog day and jump to it!

Rogue Holidays

2009-11-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

Holiday season blisters a path toward us as we write our merry way to insanity. Writers often feel their craft delivers insanity to their mental doorsteps. We work hard to kill the verb "to be", yet it creeps into every mundane sentence we write. Very possibly, the verb "to be" creates these mundane sentences for us.

These verbs - is, was, were, have been, has been, etc. - flock to our brains like birds from a Hitchcock movie. They invade our otherwise pristine plots and dilute our otherwise brilliant characters until one day we wake up, read our manuscript with an objective eye, and cry. Our baby can't be this ugly! We thought we used only the cream of word-genes.

Yet there the manuscript stands, some bride of Frankenstein that owns no happy ending - at least not in our disappointed writer's eyes. Hope only breeds once we walk away, leave the words to simmer and we determine to go back with the delete-key-scalpel and fix that which offends.

Holidays embrace families, traditions and other wonderful aspects of life. Writers write about holidays but if truly dedicated, observe them only when they complete their daily writing goals. Otherwise the holiday becomes an excuse to not write.

The Rogues have numerous writing projects in the works. Rebekah Hunter Scott strives to finish up edits on her magnificent book Motherhood is Easy. Jeff Swesky diligently works on cleaning up his first draft of the autobiography Flight From Fear. Michael Ray King juggles the collaborative effort Writing is Easy written by all the Rogues along with his personal projects The Seven Day Rose and Loves Lost and Found.

The Rogues intend to spend the holidays basking in the knowledge and glow and satisfaction of writing well-done. Do not deny us our desire to reach our goals, and most definitely do not deny us the thrill of holidays fulfilled by achievements in our writing lives. We take no days off unless we decide to slack off - and this we love. Bring on the holidays!

KICKING AND SCREAMING

2009-11-03T14:57:00.001-08:00

Yes, I'm still kicking and screaming, Kickem' hard, screamin' loud! pumped up about the new book

," Writing is Easy," Easy my ars!

Open a vein ! let it flow, some days the flow is never ending and I feel I'm gonna bleed to death,

other days, dry, dry as a frickin desert, Easy, Where? when?

The play on words is that, a play on words, our alter egos, a play on our personalities, our imaginations.

Yeap, kicKin and Screamin" all the way.( sounds fun huh , for those of a more aggressive nature!) Wink....

Seems this Ride with the Rogues is a kick, and I silently scream when things are just too good to be true.

Then I find a nice joint to let it looose! To do some more Kickin* and screamin!

Some times I gotta kick some butt, sometimes I gotta kick it up a notch, some times I just gotta kick back.

On those days where I'm around those who ain't listening , I gotta scream! yee Ha!

But mostly the screaming comes when we Rogues out do ourselves.

My fellow Rogues won some way cool Awards, PROUD, proud I am of them and scream that " We are the champions tune!"

Yes, still kickin and screamin, and will continue to do so.

There is no stopping a Rogue, either in our field of words and paints, or back in our world of woe's and can'ts ie..(.Reality.)

So let's kick it up here and there every now and then to keep the blood flowing through our Rogue veins and live for the next moment we get a chance to kick and scream, just cause we can!!!!!

There I go,,, Kickin and Screamin ,,,, Tracy Panthera McDurmon

Nanowrimo

2009-11-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

National Novel Writing Month (Nanowrimo) is simply another name for November. As crazed writers, nanowrimo-ers are a masochistic bunch. We live for November and daily count requirements of 1667 words. Often maligned by many writers, this contest delivers an opportunity for newbies and established writers alike to 'win'.

A 'win' in Nanowrimo is to complete a manuscript with at least 50,000 words in the thirty days of November. These words do not have to make a lot of sense, have an outstanding flow nor even have a defined plot. I would submit to any participant that those items should be held as a priority, but even if you do not achieve any of them, the mere fact of proving to yourself you can actually write 50,000 words in thirty days is huge.

Many writers look at a blank screen and get intimidated by word counts. I've heard it in conferences - writers wondering if their 30,000 words qualifies as a non-fiction book-length book. Numbers and writers do not mix well. Numbers often intimidate writers. Nanowrimo affords the writer an opportunity to slay the word count 'monster'.

Successfully running through Nanowrimo will lift your confidence, your key speed and possibly, if you've gone into it somewhat organized (I know, another writer struggle), you may walk away with a first draft manuscript.

Look into Nanowrimo folks. Even for the peripheral writer, this contest could be the spark you for which you are looking. No one can beat you out but yourself. You achieve the word count, you win. This contest is that simple. You even get a certificate when you win.

Sign-up for Nanowrimo is available throughout the month, so even if you start late, you can get in. Late sign-up just increases your minimum daily word count requirements. Personally, I tend to write in bursts of thousands of words and then write hundreds of words on other days.

Challenge yourself. Jump on in! The writing's fine!

The Vice of Life

2009-10-29T03:55:00.001-07:00

Can you feel it?

The pressure that builds moment upon moment, day after day, squeezing against your skull like an invisible vice that some unseen assailant keeps turning tighter and tighter and tighter until your about ready to fucking pop?!

The Vice of Life.

We all experience this to some degree and we all handle it differently. But with the current state of affairs with our economy, we may see more and more people let it get the best of them.

Or maybe we'll all eventually be naked in a huge field together singing "Kumbaya."

Somehow I doubt that.

Especially with the percentages of unemployment, foreclosures, and divorces being so high.

And let's not forget we're still in this fucking war, while Iran and North Korea are becoming more dangerous every time you look at the news. Add to it all the piling bills, nagging spouse, pressuring boss, screaming kids—it's a surprise we're not all in the nuthouse.

Americans are fighting depression, anger, despair. This generally tends to make people act out in some way. Whether out in the open or in secret. Telling off a boss, getting into a fight, committing adultery, or even picking up a good drug addiction. Some way of rebelling, letting off steam, and controlling even just one aspect of your life, even if it's a negative.

But what concerns me are the extreme cases. The ones who get absolutely crushed by the Vice and lose their goddamn minds.

I'm talking about the stable wife and soccer mom, who locks her two and four year olds in the truck of her car and drives off a bridge into a river. The ideal employee who never missed a day of work, but comes in one day with an assault rifle riddling the mazes of cubicles with bullets, bursting office workers skulls like water balloons. Rape, murder, abuse, suicide. You name it—it's on the news … daily.

Who knows, a day may come when the economy stabilizes, numbers of unemployment and foreclosures drop, war ends, it's safe to invest again, the swine flu disappears, soccer is recognized as America's new pastime, and we'll all be rolling in fucking money. And the only violent deaths in the news come from your typical homegrown psychopaths and criminals.

But until then, who's going to be the next to lose control and wind up as tragedy on their local news?

Could it be you?

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FWA Conference

2009-10-26T08:26:00.000-07:00

The Rogues Gallery Writers represented themselves well at the Florida Writers Association Conference October 22-25. Jeff Swesky, Rebekah Hunter Scott and Michael Ray King each won prestigious awards for their writing.

Rebekah garnered the best short fiction out of hundreds of entries competing for publication in the book From Our Family to Yours. Her story Variations on Mr. Cornflake was voted the top story in the book. Rebekah autographed many books and looked natural in an author's seat.

Jeff scored a Second Place trophy in the RPLA's (Royal Palm Literary Award) for unpublished autobiography for the book Flight From Fear. Jeff had the only book-length work up for an award and his Second Place showing brings that much more credibility to our group. This book will be making some publicity noise in the near future.

Michael scored a First Place trophy in the Poetry category for his work Rendezvous from the recently published book Loves Lost and Found. The book is illustrated by fellow Rogue Tracy McDurmon. She interpreted Michael's poetry through acrylic paints. The poem lends the book more prestige with it's top award-winning notoriety.

All in all, the FWA Conference 2009 has been a success for the Rogues Gallery Writers. Yes, we would have loved to have scored trophies in the RPLA's short fiction categories. We had five - yes five - finalist manuscripts in the category, but we were shut out. We will come out of this more determined to reach the pinnacle in 2010.

Congratulations to all the Rogues! We all emerged winners! Was there ever any doubt?

Rogues in Writing Competition

2009-10-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

The big day is almost here. This weekend the Rogues Gallery Writers enter into the final leg of writing competition. The Florida Writers Association sets forth the winners of the 2009 RPLA awards. The Rogues have a lot to be excited about. We have seven, count them, seven manuscripts that are finalists for an RPLA award. This is a big deal to us.

BloodTrail has a semi-ghost written memoir that achieved finalist status. This book covers the turbulent life of a Rabbi in Europe during the Nazi years and beyond. We are VERY excited about this manuscript.

Rednekah has a short story up in the finalist spotlight. The story, Five Easy Minutes is one of the best written short stories of its length ever written, and appears in the upcoming anthology Writing is Easy. If there was ever a lock on an award winning story, Five Easy Minutes is it in my humble opinion. Rednekah also will be the top author signing her autograph in the new book - From Our Family to Yours - a collection of short stories about family that the FWA put together. Rednekah's story - Variations on Mr. Cornflake was awarded the top story designation by an FWA panel of judges and chief judge Suzette Standring. A much-deserved accolade to be sure.

Then there's DarkThorn. Yeah. Me. Ok, so I entered a lot more material than my fellow Rogues. I happen to believe in the theory of numbers. I have 5 pieces that are finalists in the RPLA's. Two short stories (yep, I'm up against ol' Rednekah, and I don't like my chances there), two flash fictions and one poem. The four fictions- The Road Home, Lavender Hour, Autumn Wind and Witch Moon - can be found in the upcoming book Writing is Easy as well and the poem - Rendezvous - can be found in the just published Loves Lost and Found.

Last year the Rogues were virtually shut out of the top spots in the RPLA's with DarkThorn's Fatherhood 101 placing third in the non-fiction category. This year we bounced back with volume and quality. Keep your fingers crossed. Rub those lucky rabbit's feet. We aim to take home ton's of recognition.

Rogues in Edit

2009-10-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Why edit a Rogue? We say whatever we wish anyway, right? When it comes to books, though, we get real serious. Our book is going through multiple readers at this very moment. In fact, we will have Writing is Easy back in our hot little hands in just a few days.

Then we each have a week to complete our edits before we turn the book over to our professional editor. That's the next to last step before sending the manuscript off to the printer. These are hectic times. Forget the upcoming holidays. The Rogues are busting ass to be ready for those holidays with new books.

This process doesn't just happen. You must be dedicated and pig-headed and focused and anal retentive and all the other things that thwart would be writers from their goal. The Rogues are stubborn. We want success. We strive for excellence in writing. We are also tired of crap winning writing awards. The way we look at it, our crap is better than the crap winning these awards out there, so we're careening pall mall toward our goal of two new books by December 2009. Stay tuned. Writing is Easy and Motherhood is Easy are barreling your way...

Book Bunko Bash!

2009-10-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

The ever-inventive Rogues Gallery Writers dreamed up the idea of a Book Bunko Bash! If you've never played Bunko, you've missed out on Jupiter-sized fun. When the Rogues get done with this soiree, we just hope the walls will still be standing.

Obviously, due to the word "bash", we are planning a party. But this is no ordinary party, it's a Bunko party! Bunko is one of the great "mixer" party games that cause grown people to act like children and get a little goofy.

But Bunko is not the only draw here. The Rogues Gallery Writers will be unveiling two books - Writing is Easy and Motherhood is Easy. In fact, the three prizes given out at every Bunko party will be one of each of those books as well as a copy of Loves Lost and Found co-authored by two Rogues - Panthera and DarkThorn.

The Rogues are planning for this party to be huge, so location and time are still being worked out. You will want to be there, so stay tuned to the blog and all the announcements cascading from all the Rogues social media sites. You have some quality reading coming your way. Wait for it . . . wait for it ...

A New Head of Steam

2009-10-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

Writing is such an up-and-down occupation. Hell, so is life. Writers work to convey life in their writing, therefore we are roller-coastering right along. The Rogues Gallery Writers are no different. Life intrudes, kicks us around a bit, and then we pick ourselves up (often through our words) and get on with it.

Getting behind the keyboard can be challenging. I realize that only writer understand this. A non-writer will say, "C'mon! How hard can it be?" Pretty damned tough when the yard needs mowed, the son gets suspended from school, you back into the neighbors car and you strain your femoral bicep ligament and muscle. Then there's meals, phone calls, emails, meetings, mail, bills, your other job, children, spouses, friends, pets, spills, broken dishes, leaky roofs, preparations for presentations to various groups and a whole torrid-paced pile of other 'stuff'.

One of my solutions to the "everything-else-takes-precedence-over-my-writing" syndrome is to buck up, give up a little sleep time, and make sure I clock at least 1000 words each day. Two nights of getting to bed an hour late has spurred me to write during the day - like right now (noon) - so that I can get a good night's sleep.

It's amazing how discomfort will effect a change in your patterns. I'm promoting a "discomfort" approach to writing. Make your life a little uncomfortable by making writing a priority at some critical point in your day. You'll then find a way to get it done at a less inconvenient time.

I believe most writers will tell you they LOVE the process of writing. It's the process of GETTING TO THE WRITING that squelches them. I know this is the case for this Rogue. I handle more in a day than many people do in a week. But I deny myself the one thing I desire to "hand my hat on" professionally - writing. That's bullshit. We must stop holding ourselves back. We need to forge ahead and make things happen.

The Rogues are gearing up to do just that. We have some aggressive goals that, quite frankly, scare the hell out of me. I know, Rogues should be tough. We have a goal of producing two books by the first week in December. This is no small task people. Two books at once with two months to get them done is aggressive. This is a "don't try this at home" kinda gig.

We're also producing Rogues Gallery T-shirts that will go on sale at the end of the month. We are also up for all kinds of awards at the Florida Writer's Association Conference at the end of the month. Two of us, Panthera and I, just published Loves Lost and Found.

I look at all that is going on and I'm amazed. Too often I only see things in a microcosm and have to step back and look at what's really going on. The Rogues are gearing up for a Blitzkrieg. Our new head of steam is building. We're preparing to cut loose again. Watch out! Ready or not, here we come!!!!

Rogue News

2009-09-29T15:26:00.000-07:00

Blogging the Rogues is always an exercise in fun. Whether hilarity rears its crazy head or seriousness steps to the fore, a Rogue blog is special. We are forging our path in this insane world of print media, looking for a following and blazing ahead without much of a look-see behind. The Rogues Gallery Writers may end up on some deserted writer's island like Gilligan's castaways, but we'll have a great time getting there.

Launching a new book demands attention - attention to detail, attention to market and attention to rest. Panthera and I reveled in an excellent book-signing party at The Source in Palm Coast. Or is that Bunnell? The two cities run together around that area. No matter, people found us, we signed lots of books and we are looking forward to more signings.

You know when the Rogues are quiet that they are up to something. At this moment, we have two books in the editing phase - Writing is Easy and Motherhood is Easy. Both books hold tons of promise. Do you want to see the true Rogues as they deal with this life we live? Get on the list and pre-order these books. Your ability to pre-order comes your way Monday, October 5, 2009. Both books are scheduled for release the first week of December 2009.

You'll be hearing quite a bit from us. Stay tuned ...

What's The Buzzzzzzzz??????? Boys

2009-09-23T12:43:00.001-07:00

Reporting in from the bash! and what a bash! Saturday's book signing was divine.
Makes Panthera quite pleased. My boys were there in all their glory! hootin and hollerin.
Beks even made herself known. I hear she slipped out the back to avoid Bloodtrail.

Love's Lost and Found was adored by many and I still hear the peoples talkin about it,
if you didn't get your fix let me hook ya up www.clearviewpressinc.com

So we are gonna have to plan yet another event to get some more good times rollin.
Rogues are a grand clan and their fans even grander. Lovin these "Goodtimes"

Took Panthera a few days to recoup but , I'm back in the saddle boys and ready to ride!!!

I hear through the grape vine, always near the grapes these days,
that the Rogues are planning some crazy stuff and are busy deliberating the winners of the writing contest.
Huh? wonder how that's going. I will sneak a peak and get back to ya.

Many fond wishes from the Panthera*

Rogue Support

2009-09-14T09:01:00.001-07:00

Rogues and books. We say that's what we're all about. Reading them. Talking them. Writing them. Proof is in the pudding, as they say. Coming this Saturday, the Rogues step out with their first foray into the published world.

Panthera and DarkThorn will be selling and signing books. Most likely, Rednekah and BloodTrail will have our backs. One of the bonds writers MUST have is a support group. It helps if that group is somehow intricately involved with what a writer does. The Rogues Gallery Writers support each other.

This blog is simply a note of thanks to my fellow Rogues and all the encouragement I personally receive from each of them. Saturday is a big day. One four hour moment to launch a book, one catalytic moment to launch a life-trek. Without support, a writer is nothing more than a lonely wordcrafter doomed to wilt before he/she blooms. That fate awaits no Rogue.

Saturday. September 19, 2009. The Source. Marvin's Gardens shopping center. Moody Blvd. 4:00pm-8:00pm. The Rogues Gallery Writers hope to see you there.

Rogue Book Signing and Short Story Contest

2009-09-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

Saturday September 19th is getting closer and closer. Two Rogues will be signing books, selling paintings and most importantly, selling official Rogues Gallery Writers T's! (Ok, so the book and paintings may be THEIR priority this particular day, but the T's are a great buy!).

The Rogue Gallery Writers are very proud of Panthera and DarkThorn (aka Tracy McDurmon and Michael Ray King). We support our own whether we do a project as a team or individual. Writing is Easy, the Rogues joint venture, continues in the editing phase. The deadline to enter our short story contest is fast approaching, so if you're thinking about entering, it's time to do more than think. Action is key here!

The Rogues Gallery Writers are gearing up for many projects and ventures that will be sure to please many. I would recommend you start following this blog so you can keep abreast of what's happening. It is sooooooooooo easy. Simply click on the "Follow" icon on this page. Then, follow your nose and follow the Rogues down paths you never knew existed! You'll soon learn why it's hard to keep a good Rogue down!

Book Signing for Two Rogues!

2009-09-10T09:18:00.000-07:00

September 19, 2009 will be a great day for two of our own - Panthera and DarkThorn. Sure, they'll be in their mild-mannered Clark Kent and Lois Lane personas, tricking the world into believing they live normal, peaceful lives, but underneath, they're still Rogues.

In the guises of Michael Ray King (poet) and Tracy McDurmon (artist), they'll be chirpily signing their new book - Loves Lost and Found at The Source in Palm Coast, Florida. The Source is located in the Marvin's Gardens shopping center on Moody Blvd. The signing is from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. There should be quite a crowd, so come early if you want a copy of their book.

I think everyone should go just to see them pretend 'not' to be Rogues. Actually, they're supposed to be bringing official Rogues Gallery Writers T-shirts to sell, so I suppose that means they'll be acknowledging their Roguishness. Possibly this dual personality display will cause them to become schizo or something. Nonetheless, everyone should come out to the signing to support our fellow Rogues.

If they seem normal and fine upstanding citizens at first glance, don't let them fool ya. Underneath they're Rogue through and through. Pick up an official T while you're there and let the world know - the Rogues Gallery Writers are on the move!

Can't hold a good Rogue down!!

2009-08-28T16:44:00.001-07:00

Bloodtrail has made it hard for me to keep my mouth shut on the subject of ebb and flow and letting the good times roll, Theses crazy wonderful peoples have many trials and many victories every moment of every day. Some days we just get in our own way and forget about the little miracles of simply being able to speak our minds with a keyboard, or a pen. My fellow Rogues have amazing obstacles to overcome ,for some it's simply getting out of bed, for others it's simply being able to get away for a breath of air. But we all manage, we crave our meets and long for our fellow writer buddies next words of wisdom or inspiration, A writer alone, is just that " A lonely writer". Not so with the Rogues, We would never do anything to hold the other back or get in their way and watch out>>>> cause some of these members are Relentless. So on those days where we seem to need a little extra twist of insanity to keep of going we mentally call on our fellow Rogue and wa la.. Each being a heroe to the other! Writers, artists any creative person needs that thump in the head to carry on. Today was good because our fellow Rogues are on the prowl for their next plot and thought and this is what it's all about. Panthera has had trials and tribulations and too much tequila on occasions but she never lacks the enthusiasm to join in on a good brawl. Time to tear down the walls, get the party started, or simply rock your world baby, grrrrrrrrrrrr.

What Have You Rogued for Me Lately?

2009-08-28T04:57:00.001-07:00

Nothing.

Not a damn thing for Mr. Bloodtrail over the past two weeks.

Not for the Rogues or any of my other writing projects.

In the past I would get discouraged about such a lack of productivity. This would create stress, frustration, and maybe even a mild form of depression. Instead of getting out of my writing funk, I would only elongate it and even create my own little Catch-22. I'm miserable because I can't write and I can't write because I'm miserable.

I think this can be a common dilemma for writers. But how a writer handles the situation can determine how debilitating it will be to his or her muse in the long run.

In recent months I've come to learn and accept that these periods are inevitable—they will happen. It's something that all writers must face. Whether it's due to writer's block or just a lack of time from the heavy demands of life, all writers must wallow through these non-writing phases.

I knew this writing abyss was temporary. Life got in the way and said, "Bloodtrail—your ass is mine for a while! You're not writing a fuckin' thing!" And I didn't.

This time—for once—I embraced it. I didn't get discouraged or stressed or depressed. I kept in my mind that once I navigated through these obstacles, I would resume writing with gusto.

For many writers acceptance alone may be difficult—if not impossible—as a method for breaking down these writing barriers. What I really recommend is to get into a good critique group; a small group of writers with common goals and/or interests. A group like this will become a safe haven for your muse.

At last night's meeting, when I heard all that my Rogues were accomplishing and their enthusiasm towards our future projects and events, how could I not come home feeling energized and ready to bust a cap in my word processor's ass? Besides that, the camaraderie and great laughs let any stress melt away and put me in a great frame of mind. That's really the key to great writing. Having your mind focused, and free and clear of worry—even if only for a short time.

With my obstacles cleared and my mind right again—my hiatus is over!

Mr. Bloodtrail is back and ready to inflict a bloodbath of prose. I'm prepared to go a on a cross-country writing spree.

Look out—you may be my next victim!

The Rogues Gallery Writers Short Story Contest

2009-08-15T03:27:00.000-07:00

My fellow Rogues and I give you a treat. A short story contest with a twist. Our upcoming book, Writing is Easy is just about in the editing phase. The winner of this contest will get to share pages with the Rogues. Elite company, to be sure.

The winner will also receive an official Rogues Gallery Writers T-shirt and stationary. Three copies of the book will also be awarded this fortunate writer. Contests are great fun. Just entering is a victory and I encourage everyone to take their shot.

The cool thing about this contest is that you will be contributing to helping other writers. The twist of this contest is that all submissions must answer four questions about their story. These questions are designed to show other writers what thought processes you use when constructing a story.

The Rogues have done this with their stories that are in the book already. Once complete, this book should be a very interesting read for writers everywhere. So take the plunge. Jump in with both feet and enter the contest. Come join the Rogues on their journey to helping writers learn more about their craft.

Tell them DarkThorn sent you!

Safari

2009-08-10T16:07:00.001-07:00

Well creative creatures of inspiration, I have survived my Safari! I took the past few days to ponder in another world , one of pubs and college students and yes, Tequila. Glorious ooziers, boozers and late night trips to Krispy Crème for the Hot One's. Oh, the wonders of this world so delight me. I strolled the concrete jungle in search of those beasts ,the man beasts. Found a few keepers, but with the time constraints and the age limits I had to "catch and release." I saw other hunters on my journey, those of the less skilled huntress as I, Their approach was weak and clumsy. Their wit, shallow and neive. I lent my wisdom to a few and continued my hunt. Today was a day of rest for this huntress. My hunger filled for the moment. Until the next urge for the kill or simple thrill of the chase. My Fellow Rogues are mysterious these days with their own Safari's and I am eager to learn of their sightings. Yes, our next adventure lingers in the air."The sweet smell of Creativity." I shall follow.

Panthera

Rogues Still Rollin'

2009-08-09T14:25:00.000-07:00

My mates have disappeared into the morass of writing oblivion. Of course the word "morass" will catch BloodTrail's attention as he will believe the word contains some kind of prurient interest association. The Rogues work hard at their craft. BloodTrail has been diligently putting some editing touches on the book he's writing. The book is a finalist at the Florida Writers Association's RPLA awards.

Redneckah continues to plug away at her blogs. She produces VERY consistently. She's like clockwork with her blogs. Something many of us envy. Her humor and insights into motherhood are well worth reading.

Panthera is rockin' the painting world with her prolific efforts on the canvas. Her recent works are visually intriguing as well as enticing to the eye. What she does with paint is amazing.

This update is just to let you know there is no rest for the motivated. IF you aspire to write, this is how you do it. You keep at it, day in and day out. You write at every opportunity availed you. The time may be ripe for another Rogue outing. We just had lunch Friday, but we may need something a bit more unusual to stir up some mischief.

Our book, Writing is Easy is moving through the pre-editing stage very well. In the wink of an eye the book will be at the editor's desk which brings it one step closer to publication. The Rogues are even holding a contest to allow one very talented writer to join us in the pages of this book. Details are available at www.clearviewpressinc.com.

Keep up with the Rogues (if you can!)

Rogues That Work?

2009-08-01T15:37:00.001-07:00

Rogues and work. How do those two mutually exclusive sets come together? Only with The Rogues Gallery Writers. We work. We put in hours upon hours, bleeding our thoughts into cyberspace, magazines and books.

We pour our souls into what we write. If a Rogue writes something funny, he or she takes it to the limit. If a Rogue writes something bloody, there's gonna be a lot of it. We don't pull up short. Others might take things further than we do, but that's only because their personality is different from ours.

We all have jobs. We have a life outside writing. This life intrudes all too often, yet we still produce. Our output is quality stuff. We do not have a day in our lives where we forget about creating. We live and breathe creativity. This is our passion. When everything is said and done, this is our vocation.

The Rogues Gallery Writers thrive off each other. We feed off the energy of the group and create stories, books and paintings we never knew were in us. We've only begun our work and the most tremendous, stupendous aspect of our work is that, thank God, it will NEVER be done!

Here's to our vocation, fellow Rogues! Keep on rockin'!

The Cold Bite of Autumn

2009-07-19T18:08:00.000-07:00

Dead wheels and lifeless bodies lay curled around an old oak tree.

Crisp October air bit at Cheryl's throat as she staggered down the country road. The Milky Way shot silent stares at her as the heels of her shoes clicked erratically down the asphalt. Puffs of breath hung behind her like tiny clouds, slowly dissipating into oblivion.

One moment they'd been laughing, whooping it up at Ted's expense. In a blink of her eye, grim visages of death accused her of murder. All three men splayed around the car like discarded marionettes, lifelines cut by callous disregard for good sense.

Why death skipped over her screamed of mystery or fate's cruel sentence. Shock permeated her senses as she placed one foot in front of the other. Each step took patience and care as something felt broken. Maybe her ankle, maybe her leg, the pain when she placed her left foot to the road played pinball throughout her body.

Dull light from a rickety front porch competed with the heavens for attention. Cheryl focused her eyes as much as possible on that lonely bulb. If she ever wanted to pray, this moment begged for it, but she managed only a low, guttural keening.

Perhaps fate desired that she live. After all, she tried her best to kill them all, including herself. Yet, she crawled from the wreckage and struck out for life. If another life awaited her, surely these three men would seek her out, if for no other reason than to find out - why?

This peice of fiction brought to you by:

DarkThorn King

To read more, check out DarkThorn's blog by clicking on his name in the links section

Redneckah's Take

2009-07-17T10:26:00.001-07:00

Ya'll ain't telling it right at all.

First off, Mr. Bloodtrail wasn't drinking no scotch. No sir. Scotch is way too classy, and we all know Mr. Bloodtrail's a sleezy, no-good low-life who'd sellout his own mother for a quick buck. Mr. Bloodtrail wans't drinking nothing—he pulls shit like slicing up people who're minding their own business when he's stone-cold sober. Imagine what he's like after a few swigs of whisky (and not the good kind, neither—we're talking the bottom shelf, $9.99 party handlers of the stuff).

Now Darkthorn, he's a mess. Plain and simple. Always bitching and moaning about something or other. Can't count on him to pose long enough for a picture without crumbling into a puddle of snotty tears. I swear you look at him sideways and he's gotta go scribble a poem about you done broke his heart.

Panthera, as you can likely guess, is just a floozy. Uses tequila as an excuse for other people to go and lick her wherever they please. I happen to know her favorite spot is on the bottom of her foot, but she'll take a tongue just about anywheres.

So there ya go. I'm the only one who's got her head screwed on straight in the bunch. But I don't let that bother me none. Being with these Rogues is kinda like a family reunion for me. Lotsa hollering, drinking and someone usually winds up with a broken jaw. That's how we do. Take it or leave it.

-Redneckah

My Boys, My Boys

2009-07-14T08:19:00.001-07:00

Panthera here, Boys, boys, boys, and their "wild imaginations", Listen up now cause I'm only gonna say it once so follow along. Yes, Tequila is a friend of mine and I always have an endless supply of limes, I'm always looking for a nice belly button, it's a fetish of mine. We know Bloodtrail prefers the "loose" women and "cheap' scotch and can never follow directions, Bless his pea pickin heart. Darkthorn he plays his part of being our fearless leader but he really prefers a woman's strong hand up side his head, he likes it rough. Maybe some day he'll show you his collection of cuffs, moving on to Redneka, ah ,Redneka his issues, she jabbers on about opening an orphanage Lord ,if she'd lay off the Pills, them little pink one's really get her loopy! She's got us getting the funds up so she can save the world! Please, The world? how about saving ourselves first. We all know that the Rogues are just that, Rogues, misfits, misguided, drunken drugged up , delusional, players! yes, dear even me, Major player, love em', leave'em, that's my motto, so many men so little time. you know....My boys amuse me from time to time and play their parts to please the Panthera. These boys will go far. They own stock in the brewery, so yes, they will go far. The Rogues Including myself have a purpose ,Paint it up, party it up, Holler loud, Now that's Rogue style, hop on in the water's just fine...................

Infamous Photo Shoot

2009-07-12T17:18:00.001-07:00

BloodTrail has issues. We Rogues know it. Now the world knows it. While there was some carousing in the streets and some blood was spilled, BloodTrail missed most of it trying to empty his bladder of all the J&B he'd guzzled all morning.

Let's be real here - scotch first thing in the morning? BloodTrail has a way about him that leaves regular folks quaking in their shoes, and that's as it should be. He's dangerous. But he also sees this world through lenses that are sorely damaged.

Panthera and Rednekah were their usual beautiful selves, whooping it up and having a grand ol' time. It wasn't until that photographer made a pass at Panthera that things got a bit ugly. It wasn't BloodTrail that cut him up either. Panthera took care of her own light work.

Scotch in the morning can do this to a person. We love him though. Yes, he can be sick and demented, but he's never ever boring. In fact, his insanity is one of his redeeming characteristics. Word to the wise? Only a Rogue gets to speak this way about him. Anyone else has to deal with him personally.

And we won't stop him!

D.P. DarkThorn
http://www.dreadpiratedarkthorn.blogspot.com/

Mr. Bloodtrail Reflects on the Infamous Rogues’ Photo Shoot

2009-07-12T16:15:00.001-07:00

This afternoon, I was in the middle of cleaning my guns, sharpening my knives, and organizing my restraints—tools necessary for me to develop some sharp and polished prose for my fans—when I reflected upon Friday's photo shoot. It's a wonder that we got such a good photo out of it, and I'll tell you why.

I got there too early, so I had to "kill" some time. After washing the blood off my hands, I waited around until the remaining Rogues showed up late, drunk, and high. This perturbed me, since I am the consummate professional.

Panthera didn't stick around for long; she headed off towards St. George Street with a bottle of tequila in each hand offering body shots to complete strangers, men and women. When she returned, she was crawling around on all fours and growling like a lioness.

Rednekah, who could barely stand up at this point, started peeing in one of the empty Jack Daniels bottles used as props for the pictures. Then she totally forgot and thought she was holding a half-full bottle of Jack, and downed the whole goddamn thing. "Best fuckin' drink I've had in my whole life," she said before smashing the empty bottle over my head.

When I came to, we somehow got into costume and posed long enough to get some pictures taken.

Shortly thereafter, DarkThorn was up on the roof of the building sobbing about love and loss and finding things. About darkness and prickly things, before screaming, "I am a golden god!" He threatened to jump, but instead passed out and fell off the roof. Fortunately, a female student from Flagler College stood below and broke his fall. He's fine—she's in the hospital.

By then, I was carving up the photog nice and ugly with my favorite butcher's knife, because I was getting bored and, quite frankly, it's what I do best.

The other Rogues may tell you it happened differently—of course they will; they're embarrassed as shit—but I'm telling you this is how it all went down.

Of course, I was high on acid the whole time.

Cordially Yours,

Mr. Bloodtrail

My Appearance

2009-07-11T15:12:00.000-07:00

Allow me to introduce myself , Names Tracy Panthera ,

Heart of the Rogues ,honored to be part of such a " multi-talented group of Writers,

and when I say multi-talented, I mean """Multi-talented!" Wink..

.We know you'll just love sharing our journey , through our eyes.....

Hang on Boys* gonna be WILD*

Tracy Panthera

The Rogues Ride Again!

2009-07-11T09:30:00.000-07:00

Hello readers,

This post is a test of a cool app that Blogger offers. IF successful, you will be treated with posts from each of the Rogues as we wend our way through the incredible world of creative writing. You will not be disappointed when you come here. Our content will be fresh, crisp and entertaining. We have arrived. Our next step is to let the party know!

Coming soon: The Rogues Gallery Writer photo shoot!

D.P. DarkThorn
author@michaelrayking.com

The Rogues Gallery Writers Arise!

2009-06-21T16:39:00.000-07:00

What a great day this is! The first day of the Rogues Gallery Writers blog! This page will sport posts from each Rogue. Mr. Bloodtrail, Tracy Panthera, Rednekah Scott and Dread Pirate DarkThorn will do their best to keep you informed and entertained.

We have grand plans that will be brought out here first. If you want to know what we're up to, you need to follow each of our blogs or this one or all of them. The content will be worth your while. Check out Jeff at http://www.mrbloodtrail.blogspot.com/. Tracy is located at http://www.tracypanthera.blogspot.com/. Michael and Rebekah's blogs are TBA.

Tag along with us. You'll be glad you did!

D.P. DarkThorn