RonVitale.com

How I Started Getting Published

I wanted to write this down as a written archival document on how I started writing and where I am as of today.  Let's go back in time: I started writing when I was around 9 or 10 years old.  My first story was The Mission.  I haven't looked at those pictures in a few years and I'm rather happy that I took the time to scan everything into the computer so I have a record to remind me of how far I've come. 

I've tried for many long years to have my stories published.  I started submitting to Dragon Magazine at the time I was about 15 years of age.  I've had a few stories published in zines and also a few poems. 

Starting a Blog

Just wanted to share the news that my article   "Starting a Blog" is a feature article in the Science Fiction Writer's of America's Spring 2005 issue of The Bulletin.    Click here for a direct link to my article as a pdf file.

Enjoy! 

Perchance to Dream

Perchance to Dream

by

Ron Vitale

Ever wake up from a nightmare and have those few moments of disorientation in not knowing if you’re still dreaming or awake? After you clear your mind, lean over to your night table and grab your dream journal. Write down everything that you can remember about your dream and soon you’ll be on your way to generating ideas for your next story. Sound odd? I’ve jotted down my dreams for years now and recently purchased a notepad and made it my official dream journal.

In fact, my story “Ghost Trails” (published on Ultraverse.us) started out as a dream several years ago. I wrote down bits of a nightmare on a slip of paper, filed it away, and then wrote my story months later. Although my story wasn’t published until several years later, I’m glad I was able to capture my dream on paper. Most likely “Ghost Trails” would not have been written without my writing down my dream on paper.

Tech Devices to Help Make a Writer's Life Easier

Published in SF&Fantasy Workshop newsletter, July 2003

Tech Devices to Help Make a Writer's Life Easier

by

Ron Vitale

No matter if you're computer savvy or afraid of those soulless boxes, I'd like to suggest several tools to help make a writer's life easier and more productive. Depending on your comfort zone with computers, you might find this list overwhelming or extremely helpful.

Input Devices

Pen and Paper

Don't laugh--it's the old standby! Definitely, great tools to have with you at all times. No matter if you're commuting to work on a train or bus, have spare time at lunch, are on vacation with the kids, or just have a few quiet moments while taking a bath, a pen and paper are your least expensive and easiest tools to use. What I find a bit humorous is that some writers balk at the old pen and paper, thinking that it's a waste of time. Who wants to write several pages of a story on paper only to have to transfer all the work into a computer? With any tool, there's a tradeoff. Ease of use and portability taken into account, a pen and paper can get you through a bind. If you're hiking and suddenly have a great idea for a story, stop, pull out the trusty pen and notebook, and jot your ideas down. Typing up a page or two of notes isn't the end of the world. I'd rather have the idea written down rather than miss the opportunity when inspiration strikes. And if you're anything like me, I find my most creative ideas come when walking or driving (be sure you pull over before writing your ideas down).

Using the Internet for Research: A Basic Primer

Published SF&Fantasy Workshop newsletter, June 2002

Using the Internet for Research: A Basic Primer

by

Ron Vitale

When I was younger, I used to go to the library and use the card catalogue to look up a book. Now, I sit in front of my computer and use the Internet to help me find the material I need. Before I go any further: I suggest that the Internet be used as a tool and not as an all-powerful medium for all your research needs. I still believe in the power of a library and a librarian. I am not suggesting that we turn our backs on the institution of the library.

For those of you who are not familiar with using the Internet, here is a classic primer: Turn your computer on, and connect to the Internet via an Internet Service Provider such as AOL, MSN, or your DSL or cable modem. Once connected, load up your Web browser (Internet Explorer or Netscape are the most popular these days), and in the address portion (through which you’ll type in a Website’s address), type in: http//:www.google.com There are thousands of search engines, but for this exercise I chose the Google search engine because of its great speed. Other search engines are: AltaVista (www.altavista.com), Yahoo! (www.yahoo.com), and Mamma (www.mamma.com).

Taking Stock: Rejection and Hope

Published in in SF&Fantasy Workshop newsletter, March 2003

Taking Stock: Rejection and Hope

by

Ron Vitale

Last year I had a goal of having two stories published (with pay) and joining the ranks of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. I wanted so much to log those professional sales under my belt, but then reality set in: I didn’t succeed. I tried everything I knew possible, sent stories out, rewrote works severely until entire story lines changed, had the works critiqued, but I still had no luck. At the end of the year, do you think I saw myself as a failure or a success?

If I choose to see my glass as being half-empty, then, yes, I failed to meet my goal. But I realize that “you can’t always get what you want” (Mr. Jagger was so right), and it’s important to review your longterm plan. Taking stock of your writing life is a unique experience for each and every writer. No matter if you’re Stephen King or someone who’s looking to break into publishing, reflecting on the past and planning for the future is necessary. Sit yourself down and take stock of your goals. What is achievable (be realistic) and what might not be possible (at the moment)?

The Computer Is Your Friend: Work Smarter to Save Time

Published in SF&Fantasy Workshop newsletter, May 2002

The Computer Is Your Friend: Work Smarter to Save Time

by Ron Vitale

I'm working through a bout of writer's block (or should I say that I'm in one of those "I don't feel like writing creatively" type of moods) and thought I'd take advantage of the downtime and spread the word. Computers can be our friends! Over the last several years that I have been a member of SF&F Workshop, I've come across several anti-computer views from members. I hope to create a dialogue to help open the doors to various uses through which a computer can ease a writer's workload.

I find that there are several types of writers. Granted these generalizations have been simplified, but follow me on this.

First, there's the writer who refuses to touch a computer. A pen and paper or a typewriter is all he/she needs. Isaac Asimov fell into this category. I still gape in awe at the sheer volume of books he wrote. Many of his works he wrote without the aid of a computer. Second, there's the writer who has a computer or access to one but doesn't quite know how to use it and is intimidated by the exponential evolution of computer technology: "Yesterday I used a 5 1/4" floppy disk and now people are asking me if I have a Zip drive. What is that?!" Thirdly, there's the writer who lives and breathes with a computer, finding it difficult (or wasteful) to work without his/her machine.

How to Stay Motivated with Your Writing: Tips to Help you Lick the Writing Blues

Published in SF&Fantasy Workshop newsletter, May 2002

How to Stay Motivated with Your Writing: Tips to Help you Lick the Writing Blues

by

Ron Vitale

You've worked late for longer than you can remember, the kids have tons of extra homework they need help with, the house repairs have become a must, or you've writer's block so badly that you can't even touch a book. Do any of these writing issues strike a cord with you? Add these types of problems up and a writer can quickly lose her motivation. No matter if you're an unpublished writer, have had a few pieces in print, or just finished your latest book tour, developing coping skills to help you remain motivated will allow you to get through the rough times.

Jot It All Down

On a personal level, I find that journal writing is a therapeutic way of helping me remain grounded. Sitting down in front of the computer (or scribbling your thoughts down in a journal) and allowing your thoughts to drain onto the page is a great way to acknowledge and accept that you're having a problem with writing. Each writer has his/her own struggles to overcome: Lack of time, inspiration, energy, and the stresses of everyday life. Writing your angst down in a journal, can help ease your frustrations and also enable you to pinpoint ways to help re-motivate yourself. And with your journal writing, I would suggest that you incorporate the "free will" rule. By allowing yourself the freedom to write whatever you want and without correcting any spelling/grammar mistakes, the ease of writing will come back to you. Not all writing has to be complicated or perfect. Writing for your own enjoyment can be uplifting and motivating.

Exosolar Planets and You

Published in SF&Fantasy Workshop newsletter, January 2003

Exosolar Planets and You

by

Ron Vitale

Vulcan, Tatooine, and Iscandar—each of these planetary names conjures up a specific image in a reader’s mind, originating from three distinct science fiction intellectual properties (I’d be curious to see how many of you remember Iscandar). If you’re embarking to write your own science fiction story and need to create a planet as memorable as those mentioned above, I would suggest that you first do some research on exosolar (or also called extrasolar) planets. Not sure what an exosolar planet is? Back in 1995, two scientists from Switzerland, Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz of Geneva, discovered the first planet orbiting a star other than our own Sun. To date, scientists have discovered 102 exosolar planets orbiting 88 stars in the local vicinity of our quadrant of the Milky Way. And of those star systems, the following stars are known to contain multiple planets:

Why Do We Keep on Writing?

Published in SF&Fantasy Workshop newsletter, November 2001

Why Do We Keep on Writing?

by

Ron Vitale

Let me be honest. I have not had much success as a writer. In fact, some would criticize the success I’ve had and laugh--one short story in a small fanzine, a role-playing article in a gaming company’s newsletter, and some articles published in a local paper. To date, I have earned $75.00 from my writing. So why do I keep on writing? I have asked myself this question often lately. The answers that I have uncovered have inspired me and given me hope.

There are four main reasons why I like to write: Connectivity with an audience, self-discovery, escapism, and enjoyment. I’m 30 years old now and I remember the day I wrote and shared my first story with a bunch of friends. During lunch period in the parking lot of a small elementary school, I had several fellow seventh graders gathered around me as I read “The Mission.” This was my first attempt at a science fiction pulp story. There was something enticing about have four kids surrounding me, listening to my every word. I must admit in a selfish way that a mixture of ego and excitement elated me. When a teacher came over to us because she thought we five boys must be looking at a “dirty magazine,” I’ll never forget her face as she reviewed my work and then handed it back to me with some encouraging words. These were my first critiques and the review was good!