Archive for Robert Swartwood
Through the Guts of a Beggar
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I recently found myself in a conversation with Robert Swartwood about a story he had written for Tooth and Claw, a pulpy monster horror anthology edited by J. F. Gonzalez and Garrett Peck. The response to the anthology was greater than the editors had at first anticipated, and so they decided to split the anthology into two volumes. Robert’s story, “Through the Guts of a Beggar” got bounced to the second volume. Unfortunately, the publisher folded before the second volume was released.
Somewhere in the course of the discussion, I realized that I had a story that was supposed to appear in that second volume as well. I couldn’t recall the title, but Robert found it on the Internet … “New to the Neighborhood.”
Robert was releasing “Through the Guts of a Beggar” as an ebook, with two bonus short stories and an alternate ending. We thought it might be cool if “New to the Neighborhood” could also be included. So that’s what Robert put together.
For a limited time, until April 1st, readers can pick up a copy of the Kindle ebook edition for only 99 cents. This includes Robert’s novelette, plus the alternate ending, his two short stories and my short story, “New to the Neighborhood.”
If this sounds like a package at a price you can’t beat, you can order directly from Amazon here: Through The Guts of a Beggar
Breakfast With Robert Swartwood
Posted by: | CommentsI got together with Robert Swartwood a couple weeks back. In person. Something I rarely do. But Rob is a persistent young man. I wasn’t sure I was going to be in town and told him so, but he kept after me and made it happen.
We had breakfast at Treasure Island on the Strip. Rob’s treat. Very generous of him.
I don’t often have the opportunity to socialize with other writers. There’s a part of me that’s quite comfortable as a relative recluse, and another part that just doesn’t have much interest in conventions and the sort. So I rarely go looking for a chance to get together with another writer. After meeting with Rob, however, I think that’ll be my regret.
It was great hearing him talk about the projects he’s working on, hearing the enthusiasm in his voice. He has the spirit of a writer. I’d almost forgotten what it was like to be at a convention filled with writers, some old and wise and full of incredible experiences to share, some young and learning and still open to listening, all proud of their chosen profession.
Rob reminded me of all that.
He’s facing the same questions many young writers are today. How to build a career? Can he support his family as a writer? What’s the best way to deal with the changing face of publishing? Does he need to learn to market his work on top of writing it? Should he write to the marketplace or write what he enjoys writing? Is it a mistake to write in different genres or should he focus on a single genre?
There are no guarantees when you decide to be a writer. No regular paychecks. No way to know if anyone will like what you write. No assurances you’ll ever be published.
Everything’s a roll of the dice.
Most writers I know write because there’s a burning need to put their stories on paper. It’s not the potential fame. It’s not the potential money. It’s the stories. Everything else is gravy. That’s probably as much as we can ask as writers … the means to keep writing. And when we achieve those means, we need to remember how fortunate we are.
Rob reminded me of my good fortune.
He reminded me how exciting it was when a publisher wants to take on your work, or when you land a short story in an anthology filled with talented writers. He reminded me what it’s like to hold your first book in your hands, or to receive a letter from a reader that says that something you wrote made a difference.
I am a very fortunate man.
And I’m grateful Rob was willing to keep after me to meet.
Because I had forgotten how fortunate I was, and I needed to be reminded.
Never take anything for granted.
