| Clayton McNally September 8, 2007 |
Post Meeting Write-up
The September SFSNNJ Face the Fiction meeting, and a very full
house with several new faces, welcomed guest speaker Clayton
McNally, author of such titles as To The Stars, Surviving
Behind Enemy Lines, Liberty and Freedom - To Die For
from the Galactic Force series.
Steve S arrived early to make sure the microphone and other
equipment was set up, the calendars were ready to go, chairs
were set up and that we were good to go. Announcements
were made - especially one very noteworthy announcement to
congratulate Paul Dellachaie for his amazing accomplishment.
Paul very graciously allowed me to take pictures of him for the
website - with the cover of the magazine, with the article
showing, smiling, looking serious - he never once complained
and very nicely humored me. Thanks to both Steve and Paul. At
8:00, Steve introduced our guest and we were ready to roll.
Clayton McNally came ready to entertain. He had his books,
he had samples of artwork, storyboards, background stories and
more. He not only discussed his books, but also the ins and outs
of publishing - he even went as far as talking about how much
things can and do cost new writers out-of-pocket. Mr. McNally
was very thorough, with an easy manner and a keen sense of
humor. The audience particularly liked his stories involving his
wife, as she patiently sat in the back allowing him his moment.
We think there will be many "red pen moments" after this
presentation! You see, one of the stories was how editors don't
edit any more. Many publishing companies now use Word or
similar programs with spell check - if the program doesn't find the
error - it goes uncorrected. Clayton told us a warning bell went
off when he sent his draft in for "editing" and it came back with
only 400 errors. He told us flat out that grammar was NOT his
thing, so he knew there were way more errors. He gave his wife
the draft, she took it with red pen in hand, read it, returned it -
with over 1,400 errors! She thought it was funny, not so much
for Mr. McNally. His face was too funny to watch. He then
said, "she bought a whole pack of those red pens!"
Mr. McNally discussed his current series of books, the Galactic
Star Force series, and explained not only the story/characters,
but how the characters are developed, drawn and put to page.
He explained how he works with his artist on both the character's
look and the look of the ships - they must have wings - he likes
wings! Big long ships with imposing wings. While discussing
the design aspects of the books, we were also told how he
found his artist and gave us a never-before-heard sneak preview
of the design of his next ships - awesome sounding
motorcycle-like ships with a force field around them that can not
only fly (complete with lasers) but can hover on land. I think
Brian K is going to pester Ana for one of those. **we also got a
heads-up about his next series, coming not-soon-enough for
many of us, about two vampiric races, from another galaxy, that
discover we make great snacks.
From there, he moved on to explain that the stories are very
much human survival stories that go beyond SF but have much
SF for the hardcore SF fan. In fact, his books are currently some
of the top selling SF books on amazon.com. There is also a lot of
hand-to-hand combat and martial arts for fans of those two
things. These elements combine with technology and
unconventional ingenuity for a fast paced read. He also throws
in romance - in the truest sense of the word. No erotica here -
which led to a couple of very funny stories: the first was about
Clayton McNally being asked to be on a panel with a writer of
erotica (his re-enactment of his response was a visual I couldn't
possibly do justice with the written word) and the second story
involved an on-going dispute with his two daughters that the
two characters involved in the romance should finally get to kiss.
He continues to drive his daughters nuts by not allowing this -
they get sooooo close and wham - they get called into battle or
some other distraction.
The galaxies used in the stories were discussed, and we were
advised to never go to Pegasus. He's not sure why, but he
always puts the "baddies' on Pegasus. Other galaxies used are
Sol and Alpha Centauri - both deemed OK. We learned how he
came to writing from a circuitous route and a teacher who saw
talent and fostered it. We took a brief break for purchasing and
signing. When we reconvened, Mr. McNally opened the floor
to questions. Questions were varied, interesting and we were
rewarded with thorough and amusing answers. Todd asked
how Mr. McNally likes to write, with or without music or other
distraction. We learned that Clayton McNally loves noise and
can't work without chaos - not only the radio but the TV on at
the same time. He also mentioned that he and his wife share an
office and she does not work as well amidst chaos - I predict
more "red pen moments" - lol. Authors of interest, inspirations for
characters and/or concepts, and how he got his television
commercial aired on SciFi channel were also talked about. We
very begrudgingly ended the meeting, much applause for our
very engaging guest, put the store back to order, and headed
out for the diner with Mr. & Mrs. McNally.
The fun continued at the diner. I couldn't keep track of all of the
conversations around the table, in fact, I couldn't even hear the
conversation at either end of the table because people were too
far away at either end. Too many people were crammed around
the table making for a buzz of conversation. Suffice it to say
there was conversation. I left about 12:00ish and the dirty stay
outs harangued me for leaving so early and stayed. They might
still be there - dirty stay outs - lol. That Taras, he was probably the
ringleader ;)
Join us next month when we have a unique first - a
Paranormal/Mystery Panel. Our guests will discuss their
books, answer questions and read some of their work. Sure to
be interesting and fun.
The September SFSNNJ Face the Fiction meeting, and a very full
house with several new faces, welcomed guest speaker Clayton
McNally, author of such titles as To The Stars, Surviving
Behind Enemy Lines, Liberty and Freedom - To Die For
from the Galactic Force series.
Steve S arrived early to make sure the microphone and other
equipment was set up, the calendars were ready to go, chairs
were set up and that we were good to go. Announcements
were made - especially one very noteworthy announcement to
congratulate Paul Dellachaie for his amazing accomplishment.
Paul very graciously allowed me to take pictures of him for the
website - with the cover of the magazine, with the article
showing, smiling, looking serious - he never once complained
and very nicely humored me. Thanks to both Steve and Paul. At
8:00, Steve introduced our guest and we were ready to roll.
Clayton McNally came ready to entertain. He had his books,
he had samples of artwork, storyboards, background stories and
more. He not only discussed his books, but also the ins and outs
of publishing - he even went as far as talking about how much
things can and do cost new writers out-of-pocket. Mr. McNally
was very thorough, with an easy manner and a keen sense of
humor. The audience particularly liked his stories involving his
wife, as she patiently sat in the back allowing him his moment.
We think there will be many "red pen moments" after this
presentation! You see, one of the stories was how editors don't
edit any more. Many publishing companies now use Word or
similar programs with spell check - if the program doesn't find the
error - it goes uncorrected. Clayton told us a warning bell went
off when he sent his draft in for "editing" and it came back with
only 400 errors. He told us flat out that grammar was NOT his
thing, so he knew there were way more errors. He gave his wife
the draft, she took it with red pen in hand, read it, returned it -
with over 1,400 errors! She thought it was funny, not so much
for Mr. McNally. His face was too funny to watch. He then
said, "she bought a whole pack of those red pens!"
Mr. McNally discussed his current series of books, the Galactic
Star Force series, and explained not only the story/characters,
but how the characters are developed, drawn and put to page.
He explained how he works with his artist on both the character's
look and the look of the ships - they must have wings - he likes
wings! Big long ships with imposing wings. While discussing
the design aspects of the books, we were also told how he
found his artist and gave us a never-before-heard sneak preview
of the design of his next ships - awesome sounding
motorcycle-like ships with a force field around them that can not
only fly (complete with lasers) but can hover on land. I think
Brian K is going to pester Ana for one of those. **we also got a
heads-up about his next series, coming not-soon-enough for
many of us, about two vampiric races, from another galaxy, that
discover we make great snacks.
From there, he moved on to explain that the stories are very
much human survival stories that go beyond SF but have much
SF for the hardcore SF fan. In fact, his books are currently some
of the top selling SF books on amazon.com. There is also a lot of
hand-to-hand combat and martial arts for fans of those two
things. These elements combine with technology and
unconventional ingenuity for a fast paced read. He also throws
in romance - in the truest sense of the word. No erotica here -
which led to a couple of very funny stories: the first was about
Clayton McNally being asked to be on a panel with a writer of
erotica (his re-enactment of his response was a visual I couldn't
possibly do justice with the written word) and the second story
involved an on-going dispute with his two daughters that the
two characters involved in the romance should finally get to kiss.
He continues to drive his daughters nuts by not allowing this -
they get sooooo close and wham - they get called into battle or
some other distraction.
The galaxies used in the stories were discussed, and we were
advised to never go to Pegasus. He's not sure why, but he
always puts the "baddies' on Pegasus. Other galaxies used are
Sol and Alpha Centauri - both deemed OK. We learned how he
came to writing from a circuitous route and a teacher who saw
talent and fostered it. We took a brief break for purchasing and
signing. When we reconvened, Mr. McNally opened the floor
to questions. Questions were varied, interesting and we were
rewarded with thorough and amusing answers. Todd asked
how Mr. McNally likes to write, with or without music or other
distraction. We learned that Clayton McNally loves noise and
can't work without chaos - not only the radio but the TV on at
the same time. He also mentioned that he and his wife share an
office and she does not work as well amidst chaos - I predict
more "red pen moments" - lol. Authors of interest, inspirations for
characters and/or concepts, and how he got his television
commercial aired on SciFi channel were also talked about. We
very begrudgingly ended the meeting, much applause for our
very engaging guest, put the store back to order, and headed
out for the diner with Mr. & Mrs. McNally.
The fun continued at the diner. I couldn't keep track of all of the
conversations around the table, in fact, I couldn't even hear the
conversation at either end of the table because people were too
far away at either end. Too many people were crammed around
the table making for a buzz of conversation. Suffice it to say
there was conversation. I left about 12:00ish and the dirty stay
outs harangued me for leaving so early and stayed. They might
still be there - dirty stay outs - lol. That Taras, he was probably the
ringleader ;)
Join us next month when we have a unique first - a
Paranormal/Mystery Panel. Our guests will discuss their
books, answer questions and read some of their work. Sure to
be interesting and fun.
About Clayton McNally
Clayton McNally writes in a story-telling manner that is
fast-paced and exciting. His stories grab your interest from
beginning to end, To The Stars, will engage the imagination of
Science Fiction enthusiasts. This action-packed novel includes
hand-to-hand combat using Kenpo Karate and major space
battles utilizing unconventional ingenuity. Follow mankind
across Galaxies in search of peace. Forced to fight for survival, his
battles display unconventional ingenuity against overwhelming
forces.
The second in the Galactic Star Force series Surviving
Behind Enemy Lines will grab you from the first page and
hold you until the end. It is a compelling story of battles and
human survival when the odds are overwhelming.
The third in the Galactic Star Force series Liberty and
Freedom - To Die For set the Commonwealth and Galactic
Star Force into battle on three fronts; Sol, Pegasus and Alpha
Centauri. Can humanity win one or even two fronts? Will a third
front be too much?
Already a screenplay is being written for To The Stars, read it
and Surviving Behind Enemy Lines and see what has
captured the attention of readers and the media.
Clayton McNally writes in a story-telling manner that is
fast-paced and exciting. His stories grab your interest from
beginning to end, To The Stars, will engage the imagination of
Science Fiction enthusiasts. This action-packed novel includes
hand-to-hand combat using Kenpo Karate and major space
battles utilizing unconventional ingenuity. Follow mankind
across Galaxies in search of peace. Forced to fight for survival, his
battles display unconventional ingenuity against overwhelming
forces.
The second in the Galactic Star Force series Surviving
Behind Enemy Lines will grab you from the first page and
hold you until the end. It is a compelling story of battles and
human survival when the odds are overwhelming.
The third in the Galactic Star Force series Liberty and
Freedom - To Die For set the Commonwealth and Galactic
Star Force into battle on three fronts; Sol, Pegasus and Alpha
Centauri. Can humanity win one or even two fronts? Will a third
front be too much?
Already a screenplay is being written for To The Stars, read it
and Surviving Behind Enemy Lines and see what has
captured the attention of readers and the media.
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