Welcome back, everyone, to another edition of Author’s Corner. It’s been a little while since I’ve updated the site due to my other occupation. I work in a power plant and they shut down for fuel and repairs in the spring and fall. That usually means long hours for me.

I’ve recently completed the third book in the Space Frontiers series, The Devil’s Playground. The Eye of Icarus and Dangerous Liaisons are the first two books. This series is going to make an impact on the science fiction readership if I ever capture the interest of a big publisher. As anxious as I am, this is a critical point in my writing career. I really want to make the jump to the professional level and I’m patiently waiting my turn. Ironically, two major publishing houses are currently considering the screenplay for The Eye of Icarus which was pitched recently by another agent.

I’ve written the screenplay Leviathan as a sequel to The Eye of Icarus screenplay but it’s actually part two of the first story. One of my considerations regarding the series and screenplays is whether I should keep to movie screenplays or TV episode scripts. That’s a difficult decision and I may wait for professional advice on that one.

I’ve recently posted my new screenplay, The Queen of Spades on inktip.com but haven’t gotten much interest yet. I’m hunting for an agent to represent the screenplay yet. This is an interesting break from my science fiction stories and is an action-packed suspense thriller that I’m sure will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

The agent for The Christmas Campaign is scheduled to pitch the screenplay at a convention to a number of producers. The company with the original interest is still in the game.

No word yet from the Sci-Fi Channel regarding the Fractured Time Project. I did complete three additional episodes for Fractured Time and Twisted Fate. My original submission was for ten episodes and a movie for each story in the trilogy. I later learned that a season is fourteen weeks and it would behoove me to have an additional three per series ready. Fortunately, I’ve completed those as well. Several of the episodes aren’t in the books but are very unique. They tend to take the characters’ relationships into different directions and evolve/ devolve depending how you look at it.

I haven’t heard anything regarding the new version of the Fractured Time Trilogy – The Fractured Time Chronicles. Last word, my agent was preparing pitch letters and so forth to send out. Once again, since I’m targeting a big publisher, it takes much longer and is a bit more difficult. Hopefully my agents are doing their best to promote my projects.

I’ve cut back a bit on the conventions for a few reasons, in addition to work. I’m looking to travel to some new areas and make new fans. It’s also tough not having anything new to promote as well. Of course, I’m chomping at the bit to get back on the road again.

This month’s writer’s tip is about the logline. The logline is one or two sentences that you use to open your pitch or query to a publisher, producer or an agent. It’s easy to define the logline but to actually write one takes lots of practice and expertise. If the logline doesn’t grab the reviewer’s attention and make him want to see more, then your query probably winds up in a slush pile or trash. Many of these professionals are sifting through large piles or files of queries usually at the speed of light, looking for that special something that hooks them.

I find it difficult to write a logline when I’ve written a whole story or screenplay. How do I take a major work and summarize it into one or two sentences. The best advice I can give you on this is to read other loglines of material that’s been published or produced. When you see what sells, it will help you develop that something extra. How long does it take? Some of us may never get the knack for writing a good logline.

One thing you have to realize with the business of writing and selling is that it takes patience and perseverance. No one has found this out better than I have. Join me next month for another Author’s Corner.

Happy Thanksgiving to all;

- Michael D'Ambrosio

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