The day after the Great #Snowpocalypse of 2009, I felt the walls closing in a bit…and the twins inviting me to play with them really wasn’t helping. Fortunately, saving the day was Peter Cox all the way from Central London when he rearranged his schedule to sit down, open up the mics, and talk with me about podcast fiction. Seems that Litopia has opened a floodgate in talking about podcasting, Social Media, and the modern writer, and Peter wanted to sit down with the guy that started it all.
If you don’t know Litopia, you should. Lipopia is run by writers for writers. It’s a podcast, it’s a blog, it’s a forum. It’s an inside look and a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry, and what was supposed to be a fifteen minute podcast…well, we went a little longer…
Tee Morris on Litopia Daily [48:38m]:
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Enjoy this bit of time travel through the history of podcast fiction, and looking at the present day and possible tomorrows of Social Media in the publishing industry.
Listen. Comment (here and at Litopia). Share.
Tags: All a Twitter, books, business, Christiana Ellis, community, eBooks, Facebook, Fantasy, fiction, industry, mainstream, Mark Jeffrey, Marketing, new media, old media, Philippa Ballantine, Podcast, podcasting, Sams Teach Yourself Twitter in Ten Minutes, Science Fiction, Scott Sigler, snow, Social Media, Social Networking, Stephen King, Technology, Tee Morris, Twitter, Washington D.C., Writing
Hey, everyone! You may all think I’m suffering some sort of steampunk kick; but as you heard in my previous podcast, it is the focus of my attentions. My current work-in-progress now circulating the market is a steampunk romp entitled Books & Braun: Volume One — Phoenix Rising, co-written with Philippa Ballantine. I have always been fascinated with this sub-genre ever since hearing about it from two of the most creative people I know, J.R. Blackwell and Jared Axelrod.
And it was another creative type, the incredibly-witty, and delightfully-sultry Gail Carriger who — in a ways and means of promoting her paranormal steampunk romance, Soulless — made the offer to write guest blogpost.
Gail is my first. You always remember your first…
So I’m bumming about the internet, as you do, and Tee tweets me…
“Wanna guest blog?” says he.
“Delighted,” says I. “Got a topic?”
“What makes Steampunk so sexy?” says he. Read more…
Tags: blogging, corsets, creativity, Fantasy, fiction, friendship, fun, Gail Carriger, Philippa Ballantine, promotion, Science Fiction, sex appeal, Soulless, Steampunk, Technology, Twitter, Victorian, Writing
I admit that my blog (both of them) have been a bit quiet since taking on the Day Job and working through a busy October, but hopefully this sneak peek at what I’ve been up to will make my pockets of quiet worthwhile.
Recorded before a live audience at World Fantasy Convention, award-winning podcaster and award-nominated author Philippa Ballantine and I unveiled (with the blessings of our agent) our work-in-progress now working its way through submissions: Books & Braun, our Steampunk take on The Avengers. This is the first time that we have revealed to the public any selections from the work (apart from the odd quotes and teasers in our respective tweet streams), and we had a blast with this presentation. Our plan is to eventually podcast it in this fashion: Pip and I supplying the respective narration, a “few” (HA!) production elements, a musical score, and artwork featured by Carrie Seidman. We hope you enjoy this listen at what we have cooking in the creative kitchen.
BLOGGERS & PODCASTERS: We are releasing this reading under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. Both Pip and I encourage you to syndicate this episode and point your subscribers to this endeavor of ours. We also would love to hear your feedback on this preview both here and at Pip’s website. Thank you for giving us a bit of space on your mp3 player of choice, and we will keep you posted on what happens with our daring duo from the clandestine organization that is The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.
PREVIEW: Books & Braun (Recorded LIVE at World Fantasy 2009) [30:11m]:
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Tags: adventure, books, Braun, conventions, creativity, dreams, fiction, goals, Laurie McLean, News and Appearances, Philippa Ballantine, Podcast, promotion, reading, San Jose, Steampunk, Tee Morris, The Avengers, WFC 2009, World Fantasy Convention, Writing
With a whopping 42 comments to it (and as that is the big answer, I thought the time was right for this post…), I think it’s pretty much common knowledge by now that I got a new job. I didn’t really consider how quickly the wheels got rolling on getting me in there; but on retrospect, this place did not diddle around. I was offered the job on August 4, taught my final class on August 14, and then on August 17 I walked in, filed paperwork, went through the orientation, and was then literally thrown into the thick of it. I didn’t hit the ground running. I bitch-slapped the ground, made it call me a pretty girl, and had it beg for more when I was through with it.
And the really frightening bit? After a week, I’m still not sure how my voice mail works.
But what exactly is the job? I didn’t really go into detail on that in “Perseverance and Peter Gabriel” as that post was less about the job itself and more about the job hunt. Amidst the comments of congratulations and inspiration, a few of you have wondered “So what is this job you got?” I wanted to wait until I finished the first week before I shared details, and I’m glad I did. Last week was overwhelming, amazing, and eye-opening, on a lot of levels.
I was also beat at the end of every day. Slept a lot. Now, with some of the blur that was last week processed, here it is…
Intersections is a security firm, based out of Chantilly, VA. Since 1996, Intersections has dealt with credit history and digital identity protection. They are in the business of making electronic transactions, be they financial or personal, safer; and I have been hired as their Social Media Manager. (I’d like to point out that this job falls under Corporate Communications, not Marketing. That thrills me like you wouldn’t believe.) They were looking for someone who could not only apply Social Media, but understand the different initiatives out there and what they offer.
They were also looking for someone who could write. Yeah, I think I got that covered, too.
What I’m particularly excited about with this job is the angle Intersections takes with Social Media. Obviously, I’m being called upon to manage blogs, create podcasts, edit video (which I’m doing right now), and manage an outreach program with Twitter and (soon) Facebook; but I am also being asked to investigate and research security in Social Media, something I’ve touched on in Bird House Rules but only scratched its surface. On Friday, I was forwarded some news about Social Media from a security perspective and I was floored. The ironic bit is, that morning I was catching up with The SpyCast and listening to a fantastic interview with Dr. Terry Gudaitis who specializes in cyberintelligence gathering. (That’s the June 15, 2009 show if you’re interested.)
I feel as if I am starting all over again in Social Media, this time from a new perspective I hope Blogworld will let me speak on this year. I am officially on their schedule. I’ve confirmed “But Honey, It’s For the Studio” but am working to change topics concerning my second talk. So, if you’re at Blogworld this year, stop me and say “Hi.” It should be good fun in Vegas this October!
A cublicle in transition
So in the end, I am using my knowledge and background on Social Media for good, not for evil. While I will help in the promotion of what Intersections does, I will also be their on-call specialist in Social Media while I find out more about security matters with Twitter, Facebook, WordPress, and the like. My brain has been firing on all cylinders since Day One, and I’m soaking it up like a thirsty sponge. The first week just blinked by, and I’ve not slowed down yet.
If you were wondering, though, how the day job will affect my writing, it will only make me more productive. Now that I know my hours, I can regiment and manage my time efficiently. I’m still writing for AppAdvice; and this weekend Pip and I completed the first draft of Books & Braun: Phoenix Rising, our Steampunk CSI peppered with hints of James Bond. I’m also planning to dust off Whiskey Tango Foxtrot and start working on that. I’ll give up details with an upcoming Survival Guide to Writing Fantasy…and yes, that will be its final episode.
It’s a long story and a hard decision concerning The Guide, and I’ll save the rest for that show.
My job at Intersections is now underway, and my writing is moving forward. From here, all that I have to face now are the possibilities.
Tags: Bird House Rules, blogging, Blogworld, Books & Braun, day job, Facebook, International Spy Museum, Intersections, Philippa Ballantine, podcasting, security, seminars, Social Media, Social Networking, Steampunk, Technology, Tee Morris, The SpyCast, Twitter, video, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, WordPress, Writing
Posted by Tee Morris on May 22, 2009 in
Geek Chic,
News and Appearances,
Podcast,
Writing Back in December, you might recall a blogpost proclaiming my love for New Zealand smut. Well, Chef Ballantine appreciated my kind words so much concerning the podcast too hot for iTunes, Erotica ala Carte, that she invited me to cook in her kitchen. The ingredients this naughty Gordon Ramsey (with help from her listeners) threw at me were:
- Alternative History
- Government Bureau
- Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down
The end result is the short story (borderline novella) “Release Me” which dropped just before Balticon. As I mentioned, the story seemed to write itself and really took on some serious momentum, surprising (if not, disturbing) me. The end result, though, I am quite happy with:
In an alternative America a superhero learns a lesson in control.
Inspired by my favorite film of the year so far, Watchmen, I went with a government bureau of superheroes instead of something along the lines of The X-Files. (I think that is what folks were expecting.) There are also a few nods to the Twitter community and a homage to one of my Geek Chic heroines. This was a lot of fun, and a terrific exercise for me as a writer. So as it stands, J.C. Hutchins has challenged me with writing a thriller and Pip has tapped me for erotica. What’s next? Horror?
Scott Sigler? Phil Rossi? Any of you guys wanna throw the gauntlet?
Have a listen, and let me (and Pip) know what you think.
Erotica ala Carte: Episode #09 — Release Me [58:22m]:
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Tags: adventure, Alternative History, Balticon, bondage, challenge, con, control, convention, Erotica ala Carte, Fantasy, fun, intrigue, Phil Rossi, Philippa Ballantine, Podcast, podcasting, Science Fiction, Scott Sigler, sex, Writing
Photo by Kreg Steppe
Hey, everyone! I’m closing in on a pretty busy chunk of time, and it all starts next week. As you can see in the photo, I attempted to jump to New Zealand, get a head start on the travel. The only problem is this picture is taken at CREATE South 2009 in Myrtle Beach, so that puts me by the Atlantic.
Oh yeah, and while I got some serious hang time in the photo…my distance was FAIL!
Before I get into the schedule, I got good news on All a Twitter: the manuscript is now at the publisher and currently being prepped for printing. You can pre-order the book but keep an eye on Imagine That! Studios for latest developments on my latest book concerning Social Media, and get ready — I got something else coming this summer.
Oh yeah, and I’m nearly done writing my smut for Chef Pip. I really am a naughty boy.
Now, here’s my upcoming schedule. This is where I will be:
May 22-25
Balticon 43 in Hunt Valley, MD
May 29-June 1
Conscription in Auckland, New Zealand
June 2
ANTI-Social Media, presented for LIANZA, 12pm-2pm
Room 420 Kate Edgar Information Commons Building #315
2 Alfred Street, University of Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand
All a Twitter, presented for LIANZA, 3pm-5pm
Room 420 Kate Edgar Information Commons Building #315
2 Alfred Street, University of Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand
June 3
Social Media Mainline Workshop for LIANZA, 9am-5pm
Computer Lab Room 433, Kate Edgar Information Commons Building #315
2 Alfred Street, University of Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand
June 6 (JUST ADDED!!!)
Podiobooks: The Best Audiobooks FOR FREE Online for Tararua District Library, 1pm-2pm
Dannevirke, New Zealand
June 15
ANTI-Social Media, presented for LIANZA, 12pm-2pm
Seminar Room, Reserve Bank of NZ
2 The Terrace
Report at ground floor reception no later than 11.45am
Wellington, New Zealand
All a Twitter, presented for LIANZA, 5pm-7pm
Conference Room, Department of Conservation
18-32 Manners Street
Report at ground floor reception no later than 4.45pm
Wellington, New Zealand
June 16
Social Media Mainline Workshop for LIANZA, 9am-5pm
SOLD OUT (Waiting List available)
Computer lab 510, Level 5, WelTec Wellington Campus
11-17 Church Street (off Boulcott Street)
Wellington, New Zealand
June 17
Speak Geek to Me, for Te Papa Tongarewa: The Museum of New Zealand, 10am-12pm
Location: TBA
Wellington, NZ
If you are in New Zealand and looking for a primer on Social Media, you can still sign-up for the Auckland workshop. I could not be more excited about this upcoming trip the Land of the Great White Cloud…
18.5 hours on a plane…AFTER I fly from DC to San Fran. Whoofah!
Next time we talk, I’ll be in the Southern Hemisphere. See you on the other side of the world!
Tags: All a Twitter, Auckland, Balticon, blogging, CREATE South, Erotica ala Carte, friendship, Imagine That!, LIANZA, Myrtle Beach, New Zealand, Philippa Ballantine, seminar, Social Media, Social Networking, Te Papa, Washington D.C., Wellington, Writing
Hey, everyone!
cover artwork by J.R. Blackwell
While you all know that the dwarf detective is one for the low-tech solutions like Beatrice and a good battle-axe, you may not know that the award-winning The Case of The Singing Sword: A Billibub Baddings Mystery is now available for the iPhone! Sure you can download Billi on the iPhone and iPod Touch in audio but now you can pick up a copy of Billi’s first big case as an iPhone application. Along with The Case of The Singing Sword, the Fey Trickster is also causing (double) trouble at the iTunes Store with Chasing the Bard also available for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Take a look and show the love. Let iPhone and iPod Touch users know that Double Trouble has now hit the iTunes Application store.
And yes, The Case of The Pitcher’s Pendant and Digital Magic are both en route. Stay tuned…
Tags: Al Capone, applications, books, Chasing the Bard, Chicago, detective, Digital Magic, digital media, Double Trouble, Fantasy, History, iPhone, Mystery, Philippa Ballantine, Technology, Tee Morris, The Billibub Baddings Mysteries, The Case of the Pitcher's Pendant, The Case of The Singing Sword, Writing
Coach Ian Scott connected with me through my work on Podcasting for Dummies, both the podcast and the book. (No, the PFD Podcast hasn’t faded. It’s just been difficult to get to on the priority list.) I have been working with him on fine tuning both his podcasts, and as a way to say “Thank you” Ian invited me on his interview show “Conversations with Coach Ian Scott” which is a talk show featuring creative professionals from around the world. From his website, Ian says about our interview:
We talk about Tee as a podcaster and author. Podcasting: How and Why organizations, corporations, and individuals should be utilizing the power of podcasting. Social Networking, the CES 2009 Expo of January 8 – 11. Projects Tee Morris is currently working on, and a new book on Twitter to be launched around the Summer of 2009. Oh, and we had some fun along the way!
We most certainly did that! In this interview, I give one of the reasons I have not been on Twitter recently. (It’s a good reason, trust me.) I also have a few announcements to make after I return from Farpoint. Enjoy the interview and please leave Ian a comment on his blog concerning the interview. He’d love to hear from you!
Interview on Conversations with Coach Ian Scott:
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Tags: All a Twitter, blogging, Coach Ian Scott, ethics, friendship, honesty, laughter, Philippa Ballantine, podcasting, Podcasting for Dummies, Rants, Opinions, and Overall Observations, Social Media, Social Networking, Tee Morris, The MOREVI Saga, Twitter, Writing
