CEFJ #85 Q2 Creative Achievements Round Up! (10/12/18)

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The second quadrimester (meaning from May 1 – Aug 31) of the year is over, and I’ve gotten a BUNCH done. Again! I know this update is late, and we’re already 30% into the last quadrimester, but better late than never, right? Lol!

Anyways, here’s a comprehensive round up of everything I’ve gotten done! I’m *STILL* having a lot more fun (and “success”) this year, and I just hope I can keep up the momentum!

(Don’t want to listen to the podcast? As much as my voice sounds like honey on a hard-on, I totally get it. 😉 Just check out the bulleted list of milestones below!

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QUADRIMESTER #2 CREATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS
(MAY 1 – AUG 31)!

Grad School & Teaching:

  • finished my second year of grad school out of three
  • finished my second year of teaching out of three
  • finished my new play dramaturgy protocol
  • wrote an artist’s manifesto
  • successfully pitched my Masters thesis on Shakespeare’s Roman history tetralogy
  • job prep by brainstorming all my skills and experiences and trying to figure out how to monetize those skills
  • dramaturg’d Claire’s, Dominique’s, and Adia’s plays (minimally)
  • taught a full lecture, on Aristotelian tragedy

NOVEL WRITING

  • wrote and finished my novella, “The Camille”
  • ASYLUM Worldbuilding: developed a pre-quel trilogy plot line for ASYLUM series; worked on the plot grid and character arcs for the entire series
  • RAPTURE Worldbuilding: started brainstorming on the RAPTURE 7-book series, added it to the project slate, and started working out a loose book-by-book plot
  • BOOKS OF EZEKIEL Worldbuilding: continued developing plots, world, and character arcs
  • Novel Writing WORD COUNT: 14,572
    • mostly worked on The Books of Ezekiel, the ASYLUM series, and the Hitmen of Happily Ever After series
  • started development on the Morien serialized novel series
  • started development on the Immortal serialized novel series
  • started development on The Camille serialized novel series
  • started development on Surrogate serialized novel series

TV WRITING

  • learned a LOT about TV series development and TV writing with my summer study
  • designed a TON of TV writing worksheets, templates, and courses for my personal use & for The Bohemian Badass
  • started development on the Morien TV series
  • started development on the Ezekiel TV series
  • started development on the Immortal TV series
  • started development on The Camille TV series
  • started development on Surrogate TV series

DIRECTING

  • reformatted and resubmitted my two 10-minute plays
  • worked on my first directing plan
  • sat a bunch of pre-production meetings
  • created a series of rehearsal plans
  • wrote up and sent along the casting notice for ERASED
  • attended two 5-hour rehearsals and made some final decisions on casting

PUBLISHING

  • published a novella (The Camille) and a new start to a brand new series
  • planned and co-launched the 2054 cyberpunk anthology: blurb writing, ARC team recruitment, NL swap organization, giveaway set up, email automations for three lists (ARC list, general list, and giveaway list)
  • planned and completely set up most of the UPRISING box set launch: ARC team recruitment, NL swap organization, giveaway set up, email automations for three lists (ARC list, general list, and giveaway list)
  • became an Amazon bestselling author on 6 lists
  • got ranked at #54 in Horror (somehow)!
  • updated project and development slate for Rebel Ragdoll
  • applied and GOT LLC status for Rebel Ragdoll Press

MARKETING

  • learned a LOT about marketing through mostly hands-on experience
  • invested in and collected a bunch of industry research materials for science fiction and fantasy markets at Amazon.com
  • created marketing plan for the 2054 anthology
  • recorded and uploaded 15 new podcast episodes
  • finished designing full marketing model for my Colby R. Rice brand
  • finished designing full marketing model for my Rebel Ragdoll Press brand
  • removed all cold subscribers and add back active subs
  • engaged in many individual author promos and NL swaps
  • got a new Patron on Patreon!

THE BOHEMIAN BADASS

  • Infrastructure
    • set up accounting and financial management software for The Bohemian Badass
    • applied and GOT LLC status for The Bohemian Badass
    • filled out the majority of my business plan for The Bohemian Badass
    • set up SEO for The Bohemian Badass through Google Analytics
    • finished the REST of the legal pages for The Bohemian Badass: Badass Privacy & Comments Policy, Badass Copyright Policy, Badass Terms & Conditions Policy, Badass Cookie Policy, Badass Return & Refund Policy, Badass Affiliate Links Policy, and added them to the website
    • renewed domain name

  • Branding & Building
    • chose branding, colors, fonts, and graphics templates for business
    • designed the full website for The Bohemian Badass, including deciding on the content, categories, webpages, and general layout for the brand
    • optimized website for mobile
    • learned how to use the Divi website development software
    • developed a dope Affiliate Marketing strategy and opened accounts at select Affiliate sites
    • installed WooCommerce online store

  • Content Creation
    • finished the script breakdown for “A Quiet Place”
    • generated over 600 of blog post ideas, over 200 different info products, and organized them into MASSIVE spreadsheet
    • planned out monthly blog content theme for the next 6 months (Sept ‘18 – Feb ‘19); worked hard on filling in editorial calendar for 2018
    • finished creating a rough draft of the Badass TV Course, Part I: The Anatomy of a TV Series, including the Study Notes and TV Series breakdown templates, TV Series Development checklist
    • finished creating a rough draft of the Badass TV Course, Part II: Developing Your Badass TV Series, including the TV Bible template and development workbook, created a TV Series Plot Development worksheet
    • finished creating a rough draft of the Badass TV Course Part III: Developing the Pilot, including the Perfect Pilot worksheets, TV Dev Act Planner
    • finished creating a rough draft of the Badass TV Course, Part IV: Writing the Pilot, including
    • designed an awesome coaching program for The Bohemian Badass
    • wrote a “best practices” sample guide for ARC recruitment
    • wrote a “best practices” sample guide for List Engagement

CREATIVE UNI

  • updated summer goals; checked on and updated 3-year creative plan; updated portfolio with more achievements
  • FINISHED the script breakdown for “A Quiet Place”
  • FINISHED 17 courses and am in the middle of 4 more courses
    • sat and finished “How to Create a Proper Marketing Plan for Your Next Book” masterclass (Reedsy & Draft2Digital) masterclass
    • sat and finished the Creating a Binge Worthy TV Show, MODULE #1
    • sat and finished The Perfect Story (JA Huss) masterclass
    • sat and finished the Shonda Rhimes Teaches TV Writing masterclass
    • sat and finished the Publish Your Thing: Audience Magnet Arsenal 2.0 course
    • sat and finished 5 Shifts to Turn Your Expertise Into a Profitable Business That Transforms Lives
    • sat and finished How To Master Amazon Data To Sell More Books
    • sat and finished Publish Your Thing: Create Your Own Service & Coaching Business Already (byRegina.com)
    • sat and finished The Business of Fashion Course (Business of Fashion)
    • sat and finished Marc Jacob’s Fashion Design Masterclass (Masterclass)
    • sat and finished Diane Von Furstenberg’s Building a Fashion Brand Masterclass (Masterclass)
    • sat and finished YouTube Jumpstart Course (Jesse & Kong)
    • sat and finished Author Success Method course (J Thorn)
    • sat and finished “5 Shifts to Turn Your Expertise Into a Profitable Business That Transforms Lives” masterclass (Rosetta Thurman)
    • sat and finished “Mastering Amazon Data To Sell More Books” masterclass (K-lytics)
    • sat and finished “Your Lifestyle Service Business Course” classes
    • sat and finished the “From Prospect to Paid Client” Masterclass
    • sat the Publish Your Thing: Make Your Site Remarkable course
    • sat the Publish Your Thing: Visual Arsenal 2.0 course
    • sat the Publish Your Thing: Launch Your Engaged Group Already course
    • sat the Publish Your Thing: Create Your Profitable Funnels Already course

BOOKS/SCRIPTS/TV SERIES FINISHED:

  • Writing the Pilot by Will Rabkin
  • Writing the Pilot: Creating the Series by Will Rabkin
  • 30-Day Challenge Meal Plan, Week #1 by Betty Rocker
  • Developing a Series with Series Bibles: A Production Guide for Writing Series Bibles for TV, Film, and Fiction! by Wade Pena & Phil Zizza
  • The Walking Dead Pilot
  • Breaking Bad

CEFJ #84 Hello Theatre & Directing, You’re Awesome? (10/8/18)

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Grab UPRISING: 12 Dystopian Futures at your favorite retailer: books2read.com/uprising12

Hi boos! So, my podcast is short, but I have some awesome news: we have officially OPENED and CLOSED our black box production, ERASED, and it’s gone super well! I have some quick closing thoughts on my experience as a dramaturg and director on this show, so tune in!

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CEFJ #83 Not Sure What This Podcast Title Should Be, But I’m Chillin’ (10/1/18)

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Grab UPRISING: 12 Dystopian Futures at your favorite retailer: books2read.com/uprising12

It’s been two more weeks from the last podcast, and honestly? Things are going GREAT! I’ve been pretty busy with my directing stuff, but because that’s the main project I’m focusing on right now, I don’t have much news to report on in other aspects of my life.

Still, I managed to help wrap up our launch of UPRISING, get some writing done on The Books of Ezekiel series, and do some reflection on where I’d like the rest of this year to go.

So tune in! Today’s a short podcast, but an upbeat one. 🙂

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Book Worms- Here Are Some Interesting Ways to Find New Reads!

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If you’re a keen reader, you can work your way through books at an incredible rate. As a bookworm, chances are you read more in a month than most people do in a year. When you have a love of books, you always have something fun and productive to do with your time which is fantastic- however it can be difficult constantly finding new material to read. While there are always new books being released and ever changing book charts, as a keen reader you’ll know that many of these are far from riveting. People like Youtubers with no writing experience (and often no talent for writing) often make it to the top of the charts just based on their name. Large advertising campaigns and other strategies can mean books can reach the top and aren’t based on any merit whatsoever. For this reason, you’ll want to look a little further out. Here are some more unexpected ways to find books to read.

Look at forgotten books that have been turned into games and movies

When a book has been wildly successful, it will often be turned into a movie- and from there things like games are produced too. Take Final Fantasy for example, this might be best known as a game series, but was actually based on a graphic novel. These days Final Fantasy XV: A New Empire invites you to a new adventure and can be played on your smartphone. Take a look at movies and games, and trace back their origins to the novels they were based on. It can be an interesting way to track down a good book, as you’ll know has a good premise and concept since an entire empire has been built from it. In many cases, all people will know of the novel is the movie and/ or the game- do some research and seek out the forgotten novels they were based on.

Consider older literature

Many of the classics were taught in schools, however, have you ever read them of your own accord as an adult? If you want a more challenging read this is definitely a route to go down, there are plenty of study guides and information about these books online which can help you work through them if you get stuck. When we think of books, it’s often the classics that spring to mind and yet few people have ever actually read them outside of a school setting. Pick up books by Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare and the Bronte sisters amongst others. Find out for yourself what it is that make these so special.

Visit an old bookstore

In this day in age, many of us read right from our phones, tablets or e-readers. We can access hundreds of thousands of titles from Amazon and other places online, and so scouring an old bookshop might not be something you do much- even as a keen reader. However if you’re after an interesting read, go and find an old second hand bookstore and take a look around. Not only is this a wonderful experience in itself but you’re bound to pick up some new reads that you simply wouldn’t have come across online.

CEFJ #82 Directing, Staying on Code, and Pussyfoot Politicians in Academia (9/17/18)

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Grab UPRISING: 12 Dystopian Futures at your favorite retailer: books2read.com/uprising12

Join the UPRISING 15-Paperback Book Giveaway for a chance to win 15 dystopian paperback novels: http://bit.ly/Uprising15PaperbackGiveaway

OKAY, guys! So it’s been two whole weeks since I’ve been back to give you details on my journey, and boy do I have an earful for you! Some of the more major accomplishments, though, include:

  • learning a whole lot through this directing experience,
  • co-launching a 12-book dystopian box set, and,
  • getting admission into a USA Today aimed box set for urban fantasy and paranormal romance!

But, of course, victory has its vices, and the past two weeks have also been shadowed by some unfortunate political and bureaucratic rainclouds as we try to get the production we’re directing on its feet. And of course, I’ve got something to say about it.

Tune in for the tea, boos!

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Sources Of Inspiration When You’re Suffering From Writer’s Block

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Writer’s block is always a challenge for writers; even if you have clearly mapped out the tale you want to tell, there will be moments when the words just won’t come. In an effort to shake writer’s block when it strikes, it may well be worth exploring the following sources of inspiration…

Real-life stories via online forums

When writing fiction, it’s easy to become lost in the world you have created. Sometimes, a return to reality and discussions of the problems people face, and how they overcome them, is just what you need to sweep your writer’s block to one side. Online forums such as Reddit are thriving, active communities that provide insight into the everyday, real-life issues people are experiencing, and browsing these can be genuinely beneficial when seeking a way past your writer’s block.

TV Shows

TV shows are also useful sources of inspiration, provided you are active in how you engage with them. Just watching the show is unlikely to be helpful when it comes to easing writer’s block, but looking at the storylines, and the plots that had to be tied together to create them, can really help you see your way through your own storytelling troubles.

Museums and Libraries

Museums and libraries feature fascinating collections that provide a glimpse into worlds few of us have ever had the chance to experience. Exploring historical or obscure collections, such as those mentioned in the infographic below, can clear your mind and ensure you are able to sweep aside your writer’s block thanks to a fresh, new, inspired perspective.


Infographic Design By University of Southern California

CEFJ #81 Divas and Directing Don’t Mix, Boo (9/3/18)

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Hoooneeeey!!!

These past three weeks have been really fruitful, but also really cray cray, and I’m literally just trying to keep the ship on course right now. Lots of great stuff happening (TV writing, the upcoming release of a new box set, directing a brand new studio show, and a developing master thesis), but also lots of diva attitudes popping up that are dampening my vibe a bit.

I’m spilling a little tea here, but I’m keeping it classy and anonymous as I guide you guys through my creative journey as an artist and as a director. So stay tuned!

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CEFJ #80 Still Chillin’ Before the Storm (8/13/18)

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Not much to report this week, boos. Just more creativity and coastin’ until grad school starts NEXT WEEK! ::lightning strike::

Check out (and buy) THE CAMILLE, episode 1 of 50 at Amazon: amzn.to/TheCamille

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CEFJ #79 The Chill Before the Storm (8/6/18)

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Short podcast today, y’all!

Grad school’s starting up again in 2 weeks, but I am committed to staying as unbothered as possible. Keywords being: AS POSSIBLE. Lol. Strangely, though, the inevitable beginning of the school year has encouraged me to slow my life down even MORE and enjoy the calm, the chill before the grad school storm.

As a result, I can slowly feel myself shifting back to my philosophy of deep focus (sort of automatically), and I also feel myself staying FIRMLY in the realm of self-care. So tune in to hear more!

Check out (and buy) THE CAMILLE, episode 1 of 50 at Amazon: amzn.to/TheCamille

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Support Me on Patreon: http://patreon.com/colbyrrice
Subscribe to the Podcast: http://www.colbyrrice.com/the-epic-fantastical-journey-of-a-black-female-sci-fi-writer/
My Author Website: www.colbyrrice.com
My Novels: http://bit.ly/ColbyRRiceAmazonAuthorPage
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CEFJ #78 Cleansing My Creative Palette & Falling Back in Love with My Creative Life (7/30/18)

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So last time I came to you guys, I was at a loss. I felt as though my love for writing and creativity was slipping away. But today? I’m feeling AWESOME!!

After realizing that I focused too much on product vs process, I took a well-needed hiatus from writing to explore different creative channels. Specifically… I’m exploring the world of fashion design!

Fashion design is just a hobby at the moment, but by focusing on the playful exploration of doing something new, I’ve REALLY been able to explore the idea of process-oriented learning (as opposed to results-oriented learning). At the end of my hiatus, I was even craving a writing session, and I was able to actually sit down, write more of Hollow Point, and ENJOY it!

There’s more to tell, obviously, but you’ll have to listen to this podcast to find out the tea. 😉

VLOG VERSIONS

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Support Me on Patreon: http://patreon.com/colbyrrice
Subscribe to the Podcast: http://www.colbyrrice.com/the-epic-fantastical-journey-of-a-black-female-sci-fi-writer/
My Author Website: www.colbyrrice.com
My Novels: http://bit.ly/ColbyRRiceAmazonAuthorPage
Support the F’empire on Patreon: http://patreon.com/colbyrrice
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