HE SAID, SHE SAID: ELMORE LEONARD'S WRITING TIPS

Elmore Leonard is one of the great novelists of our time (everyone should go out and watch all 7 seasons of Justified right now. Go ahead. I'll wait) and he had some good guidelines for writing fiction. I agree with all but one of the tips listed above. Using "said" only is dull. When I need a piece of dialogue to stand out, something other than "said" happens. I use it sparingly and for effect, but knowing when to break this 'rule' comes in handy.

Justified. Now on DVD.

An example:

"Get back here," Tom said.

"Get back here!" Tom shouted.

I try not to use other tags often so when I use something like 'shouted', it stands out.

What do you think, writers and readers? Do you agree or disagree with Elmore's tips? Please, let me know and tell me why. What works for you?

Bobby

MEET BOBBY IN JUNE AND JULY! APPEARANCE LIST-- REVISED AND UPDATED!

Here's where I'll be through July 2, 2017!

Upcoming conventions revised! I found out today, 05/28/17 (Thanks, Gwen) that Sci-Fi Summer 2017 has been cancelled.

Looks like I'll be on the road for 4 of the next 5 weeks as the 2017 Lo' There Shall Come A Con Tour rolls on! Want to meet me in June? Here's where you can find me! As always, you can see my full schedule under the Conventions/Appearances tab above.

My next convention appearance will be at ConCarolinas next weekend, June 2 - 4, 2017 in Charlotte, NC. ConCarolinas is a literary focused con with great panels and wonderful guests. You should join us. Here's a look at my panel schedule. You'll be able to see me at these panels or at my table during the weekend. All panels will be fun, but you won't want to miss the "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive" panel. I guarantee that one will be a blast. 

See you at the cons!

Bobby

My ConCarolinas panel schedule.

BOBBY'S CONCAROLINAS PANEL SCHEDULE RELEASED!

My next convention appearance will be at ConCarolinas on June 2 - 4, 2017 in Charlotte, NC. ConCarolinas is a literary focused con with great panels and wonderful guests. You should join us. My panel schedule has been released (could be subject to change, of course). You'll be able to see me at these panels or at my table during the weekend.  

I hope to see you there.

Bobby

EARTH STATION ONE EPISODE 263 - FAREWELL TO JUSTIFIED!

Always great being back on the station. I joined The ESO Network​'s Mike Gordon​ & Mike Faber​ along with Thom Trainor​ and the award-winning Van Allen Plexico​ for one last goodbye to the amazing Justified.

Give Earth Station One episode 263 a listen at www.esopodcast.com.
Direct link: http://esopodcast.com/earth-station-one-episode-263/

Bobby

Earth Station One Episode 263 – Farewell to Justified
Fire in the hole! One of our favorite series has come to an end and the ESO crew has been accused of a lot of things but being inarticulate ain’t one of ’em. Mike, Mike, Thom Trainer, and award winning authors Bobby Nash and Van Allen Plexico stay frosty and discuss their favorite moments of the series over some Kentucky bourbon. We are also joined by Diana Leto and professional puppeteer Noel MacNeal to promote a very special project, The Show Me Show. And we toss the former Bear performer out of the Big Blue House and into the Geek Seat! Plus the usual Rants, Raves, Khan Report, and Shout Outs!

Table of Contents
0:00:00 Show Open / Rants and Raves
0:15:51 Interview & Geek Seat w/ Noel McNeil of The Show Me Show
0:49:40 Farewell to Justified
1:35:59 Dr Geeks Moment of Science
1:38:08 Khan Report w/ Eternal Zan
1:58:51 Show Close

THERE’S GOLD IN THEM THAR HILLS, SHERLOCK!

I was informed recently that I haven’t been talking about the TV, movies, books, etc. that I’ve been enjoying of late so I thought I would toss out a few short reviews of some TV I’ve been enjoying lately. In typing these up I noticed that characters play a big part in the shows I like. Great characters can support the occasional weak story and plot. These are in no particular order and are not all the shows I like or watch, just the first ones that popped into my head.

Klondike
I watched the last episode of the Klondike mini series on Discovery Channel earlier tonight. That was pretty good. I enjoyed it. I love stories with an outdoor setting and the locations shots were gorgeous. Story was a bit disjointed in places, but I liked it.

Sherlock
I enjoyed tonight's episode of Sherlock. I wasn't really digging it at first, but once things started coming together I was hooked. This series has a great cast. Sadly, we only get 3 episodes a season.

Sleepy Hollow
What a difference 11 episodes makes. To say I was less than impressed with this show when it premiered would be an understatement, but Sleepy Hollow managed to surprise me. Episodes 1 and 2 were enough to make me want to delete it from my DVR schedule, but I try to give shows at least 4 episodes and boy am I glad I did. This has turned into a really fun show. The plots are often thin, but the likeability and charm of the two leads have won me over. I really enjoyed the season ending cliffhanger and twist, even though I saw part of it coming (I mentioned thin plots, right?). I’m ready for season 2 in the fall.

The Black List
I love this show. As with Sleepy Hollow, sometimes the plots are a bit thin, but James Spader’s charisma and charm more than carries the show. Adding the fantastic Alan Alda to the cast as a recurring character is just icing on the cake.

Castle
Like The Black List, Castle is another Monday night powerhouse. I’ve been a fan since the show started and I still love watching. The characters are engaging and the stories are fun. Sometimes I enjoy the camaraderie and interaction between the characters more than the mystery, but they’re entertaining enough to keep my attention.

Intelligence
Talk about a show in the WRONG timeslot. Going up against Castle and The Black List has really hurt this one in the ratings. The plots have been really thin and there are some pretty major plot holes for certain. Josh Holloway is likeable in the role, but it won’t survive on Monday. We’re only 3 episodes in and I catch this one onDemand when I can, usually a week late.

Person of Interest
If you aren’t watching this show, why the hell not? Person of Interest is one of my top 5 shows on TV at the moment. It’s in its third season and shows no signs of slowing down. This one is highly recommended.

We dedicated an entire ESO podcast episode to Person of Interest. Give ESO episode 182 a listen here.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Yes, I watch Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Yes, I like it. Yes, I know it could be better. I hate to start off a review that way, but it seems like those are the questions I get most often. I like the show. I understand that there are a lot of folks who don’t. I’m not one of them. I was excited to hear the announcement of upcoming characters Sif (from the Thor movies), Lorelei (from Thor comics), and Deathlok. Exciting times ahead, I think.

Justified
If you aren’t watching this show, why the hell not? Like Person of Interest, Justified is one of my top 5 shows on TV at the moment. Based on characters created by Elmore Leonard, Justified is a nice mix of modern day western and crime drama. This one is highly recommended.

We dedicated an entire ESO podcast episode to Justified. Give ESO episode 198 a listen here.

Arrow
If you aren’t watching this show, why the hell not? Like Person of Interest and Justified, Arrow is one of my top 5 shows on TV at the moment. Based on the DC Comics character Green Arrow. Arrow is part Jason Bourne, part Batman Begins as we follow Oliver Queen and his team as they go after the bad guys in Starling City. We also get flashbacks to Oliver’s time on an island after a shipwreck five years earlier, which is just as riveting a storyline as the modern day stories. This one is highly recommended.

We dedicated an entire ESO podcast episode to Arrow. Give ESO episode 195 a listen here.

NCIS/NCIS: Los Angeles
Technically, these are two separate shows. Both have been on for some time now and both continue to be high on my to watch list. Both are highly recommended although I give NCIS: LA a slight nod because it is a bit more actio-oriented whereas NCIS is a bit more procedural, but both are great fun to watch.

Major Crimes
The Closer spin-off just concluded its second season (9 seasons for most of the characters who were on The Closer). This is a good cast and the stories are entertaining. Season 3 kicks off in the summer.

Helix
We’re four episodes in and I have no idea what’s going on. I’m giving it one more before I cut this one loose.

Grimm
Another great show that is a lot of fun to watch. It’s a nice mix of sci fi, fantasy, and super hero, with some horror tossed in for good measure. There is definitely a Buffy/Angel vibe to the series, which is not a bad thing at all.

White Collar
White Collar is a fun heist/con show on USA. The chemistry between the two leads really propels this one as FBI Agent Peter Burke and con man Neil Caffrey work together to catch bad guys while Caffrey tries to pull side deals and swindles. This one is fun.

Nashville
I am not a country music listener, but for some reason this show grabbed me. I can’t explain why I like it, but I do. My guess it’s those characters. I like seeing what they get into next. Plus, I love stories about creative people trying to make their mark in their field of interest.

Elementary
Yes, I like Elementary. Yes, I also like Sherlock. Like Star Trek and Star Wars or Deep Space Nine and Babylon 5 before it, there are so many that seem to think you can only like one or the other. I disagree. Each show is uniquely its own and I am thankful for that. Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Lui as Holmes and Watson are great together. Adding the New York setting and a clever twist on Moriarty that I didn’t see coming has made this one a must watch.

Doctor Who
The Doctor just wrapped up the 50th anniversary with departing Doctor, Matt Smith. I love this show. The 50th anniversary special and subsequent celebrations was one of the highlights of 2013 for me. I’m excited to see what peter Capaldi does with the role when it returns later this year.

That’s probably a good place to stop. WOW. I watch a lot of TV.

I’ll try to do more posts to keep you updated on the cool shows I’m enjoying. I’ll also talk about these things on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, The ESO Network Facebook Group, and the ESO podcast. Please, connect with me on social media as well.

Bobby

EARTH STATION ONE EPISODE 198 – JUSTIFIED

Wic Scott Eckert talks
Honey West/T.H.E. Cat

The ESO crew travels to the Blue Grass State to review one of the best shows currently on television, the dark and droll series, Justified. Chief Director Mike Faber lets the Award-Winning Deputy U.S. Marshall Bobby Nash take the lead on the case with assists from the born-again career criminal Mike Gordon and Constable Lucas Garrett. Also, Kail Tescar and Charles Kelso (Star Trek Animated Comic) boldly go where many have before, The Geek Seat, and author Win Scott Eckert returns to the station to talk up his upcoming crossover between Honey West and T.H.E. Cat! Plus, the usual Rants, Raves, Khan Report, and Shout Outs!

Join us for yet another episode of The Earth Station One Podcast we like to call: Rolling Down to Harlan County in Justified at www.esopodcast.com
Direct link: http://esopodcast.com/earth-station-one-episode-198/

Happy Anniversary

Table of Contents
0:00:00 Intro / Welcome
0:06:44 Rants & Raves
0:23:01 Win Scott Eckert
0:33:29 Interview & Geek Seat w/ Kail Tescar & Charles Kelso (Star Trek The Animated Series Comic)
0:57:29 Two Minute Transmission
0:59:34 Justified
1:47:29 2 Minutes w/ Dr Geek
1:49:06 ESO Khan Report
1:52:32 ESO Shout Outs & Show Close

Happy Birthday to my 2 Doctors

Next on Earth Station One...

ESO’s Director Spotlight shines on the award-winning Ron Howard. From Mayberry to an Academy Award win, Ron Howard’s career has spanned decades and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. ESO discusses his career and takes a look ahead. Plus, we’ve also stocked up on Rants and Raves, Khan Reports, Shout Outs, and ESO straps Friend of the Station, Lucas Garrett into The Geek Seat. We’re counting down to ESO #200 on the next exciting episode of the Earth Station One podcast.

The Crowes are comin'.

Can they survive
The Geek Seat?

Are you a Ron Howard fan? Then ESO wants to hear from you. Share your favorite Ron Howard film and TV work with us at esopodcast@gmail.com, www.esonetwork.com, Facebook, Twitter, or Google+. Who knows, we might just share yours on the show.

Download ESO Episode 198 mp3 here.

You can also find Earth Station One on iTunes, Stitcher, and YouTube.
Check out The New ESO Amazon.com E-Store here.
Get your new ESO Window Sticker here.

THE WHITE ROCKET PODCAST GETS JUSTIFIED!

I joined my friend, and all around terrific author, Van Allen Plexico on The White Rocket Podcast this week to discuss one of my favorite TV shows, Justified.

About The White Rocket Podcast Episode 21:
Award-winning author Bobby Nash joins Van Allen Plexico this week to discuss the hit FX TV series, JUSTIFIED! It's an hour of Raylan, Art, Boyd, Ava, Tim, Rachel, and a holler full o' hillbillies, moonshiners and drug smugglers!  The question is-- will Van and Bobby get out of Harlan alive??

Listen To White Rocket #21: Justified now at http://whiterocket.podbean.com/2013/04/15/white-rocket-021-justified/

Part of The ESO Podcast Network.

Bobby

Look! A Blog Post!

Yesterday was quite productive. In addition to catching up on some emails, calls, and whatnot after a long convention weekend I also wrote a couple of thousand words to finish up a story for Moonstone's third volume of short tales featuring the pulp hero, The Spider and got it sent off to the editor.


The night was capped off by a visit to The Book Cave podcast where I talked about my latest novel, Deadly Games! with The Book Cave's hosts, Art Sippo and Ric Croxtin. I always have a great time on this podcast. Ric and Art ask great questions and we really dug into the meat of the novel. Plus, they had both read it beforehand so they had some specific questions, which led to the creation of a new spoiler-filled section at the end of the show for those who have already read the book. The rest of the episode is spoiler free. The Book Cave episode will go live on Thursday. When that happens I'll be sure to post a link here.

The plan for today is more of the same. This week I have to make a second pass on the graphic novel I'm co-writing with my Earth Station One co-host, Michael Gordon and complete a jungle-themed story for Pulp 2.0 Press.

All in all it looks like a busy week ahead. I hope you enjoy yours.


After the Book Cave last night I dove into my crowded DVR and watched some television. There was some really tightly written TV this week. Castle and Justified continue to be among my favorite shows. Last night's NCIS and NCIS:LA also turned in good episodes. Then I ended the evening with the latest episodes of Green Lantern and Young Justice. Both of those shows are great fun to watch. I am not enjoying the DC Nation shorts though. They're playing them for humor, but I'm not finding them all that funny. Could just be me though.

Have a great week. I'm off to write something.

Bobby

JUSTIFIED!

Sinus pressure/headache sidelined me most of the day, but after re-recording the Earth Station One podcast version 2.0 (due to technical difficulties, which we'll go into when the episode goes live) I finally got some writing in.

After watching Justified, of course. What an incredible show. Some of the best writing on television at the moment, in my opinion. If you're not watching it, you should give it a shot. Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on FX (and they rerun it throughout the week). Seasons 1 & 2 are on DVD. 2 episodes have aired in Season 3.

Also picked up a comic book co-writing gig for a one shot issue tonight. I've known about it for awhile, but we're moving forward starting today.
Anyway, the clock is coming up quickly on 3:30 a.m. and my eyelids are starting to droop so I think it’s time to call it a night.

More writing tomorrow, however, as deadlines loom close.

Have a great night.

Bobby

A Writing I will Go... A Writing I will Go...

I had a pretty decent writing day today. I worked on a novella and a graphic novel script, among a few other things. Should have accomplished more, but I got off to a slow start. More writing tomorrow, but now it's time for a little TV. Hello, Justified and White Collar. Which should I watch first?

Bobby