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It’s time for the second part (of two) of the “ask me anything” here on Sonitotum! You can find part one here. This time, I finish answering the remaining three questions submitted by Rebecca Burns.

The Questions

1. What is your experience with writing groups? Critique groups? Collaborative projects?
2. When you’ve coached other artists, what revelations have you had or advice have you given that surprised you (like, “Why had I never thought of this before?” or “I wish someone had told me this 10 years ago!”
3. How much of your creative energy is spent on your own writing vs. your music vs. helping other artists and how much energy do you spend on non-creative activities? Is this the right balance for you? If not, how would you wish to distribute your energy?

Listen to the episode for my answers!

Have questions of your own for future episodes? Submit them any time! The easiest way is to simply comment on this episode.

Links and Topics Mentioned In This Episode

• My notekeeping / outlining / to-do list / offboard brain app of choice is the amazingly flexible, cross-platform Dynalist.
• Looking for an online and local writer’s critique group with a really supportive community online and off? Try the Coffee House Writer’s Group, especially their Facebook Group.
• You can find some fossil evidence of Sovereign Serials at the Internet Archive.
• These days, the Sovereign Era exists as books and short stories.
• The latest Sovereign Era work is the short story “The News From Bewilder Pond.”
• Once upon a time, I was published by Swarm Press. They’re not a thing anymore.
• The Sovereign Era: Year One was my first big collaborative project as a “storyworld runner” and overall editor.
• P. G. Holyfield contributed a novelette to the Sovereign Era universe, “Canary In a Coal Mine.”
• Matt Maxwell, author. Read his comics, novels, short stories, and essay collections!
• Matt and I wrote our teen epic Devastator on his mom’s word processor. Considering she’s Ann Maxwell (aka many-times bestselling author Elizabeth Lowell), it’s safe to say that machine was slumming it that day.
• I help writers solve their problems. Find out how I can be Your Story Buddy.
• In fact, helping writers and other creators is how I earn a living. How can I help you?
• Ghetto Rescue Foundation is a dog rescue and adoption non-profit I assist from time to time.
• Sometimes I make music and record myself playing it in front of some bookshelves, and then I throw the result on YouTube.

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Be A Guest on Sonitotum

I’m always interested in talking to independent creators willing to have a transparent, in-depth, unguarded conversation about making stuff, finding success as you define it, and staying healthy and sane in the process. Check out this episode with musician Emma Wallace to get a sense of what I’m talking about.

Fill out this form, and when you do, select “Sonitotum Podcast Guest Inquiry” as your contact category.

Let’s talk!

Equipment and Software

For those who are interested (folks sometimes ask), here are the hardware and software tools I use to make Sonitotum. I have affiliate arrangements with some of these products and services. If you make a purchase when you click through using my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a great way to help support the podcast… so thank you!

• Aurycle a460 large diaphragm studio condenser microphone
• Akai Professional MPD218 (MIDI drum pad controller for performing drum parts of “Anastasia” (the opening theme song of this podcast)
• Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD (audio interface for directly connecting microphones and musical instruments to a computer)
• Mixcraft 8 Pro Studio (digital audio workstation / music creation software — used when recording and producing “Anastasia” and “Gwinton” (the closing theme of this podcast)
• Adobe Audition CC (digital audio workstation for recording, editing, and producing audio — used to mix and produce the podcast)
• Zencast.fm (podcast media file hosting and distribution service)
• Dreamhost (Website hosting — I’ve been their client since January of 2007! Can you say that about your web hosting company?)

What Did You Think About This Episode?

What are your thoughts?  Let’s hear from you in the comments!