Pre-call for submissions

Eventually … I said eventually (soon) … RTS will open for submission for our first publically offered anthology, with intentions. I say this because RTS opened its doors (and pocketbook) to an anthology early last year and we were swarmed by writers and frankly arrogant 'creator's of fiction' with the “I’ve been published in ChiZine, so you want this and should pay me now” lot. Regardless of the guidelines, our inbox was ill-treated by impatient writers, concepts were missed as were word counts and reading periods.

All the whining aside, we are going to do one of the things on our founder’s “bucket list” and that is put together anthologies for non-RTS’ers and grow our understanding of the marketplace, new/up and coming talent and demographics of the community that makes up the unique, frightening and inspiring world of writers.

That said; there are some here at RTS who are against the idea. We have our on trail of work and demands to meet and certainly, another anthology is not what the world needs. Perhaps, and as much as it disappoints me to say, I’d ask opinions but either no one reads this blog (which my counters say otherwise) or no one is engaged enough to provide a opinion.

RTS is doing it, regardless. So, then the …

• Who – RTS of course
• What – will be horror, what else is there
• Where – via CreateSpace and KDP, we imagine
• Why – exposure (that's silly) not going to lie, for the growth of RTS
• When – probably looking at a late 2013 to early 2014 release

RTS will keep you apprised of progress and when the actual call for submissions goes out, unless of course someone convinces us otherwise. Please, don't let me turn you off on submitting to us. Something else that we believe in here at RTS and that is saying what is on our minds. We truly hope you all understand ...

RTS – slight change in direction

I haven’t the personality of Nicole and haven’t the “appeal” to create interest and followers based on traits that I do not possess, that said, RTS will be moving in a slightly new direction.

RTS was started with one goal in mind:

“To support new talent in writing, illustration and photography…”

This mission statement has not changed. We will also continue to work with ghost and SEO/website content writers.

What has changed is RTS will no longer “look for” talent. RTS is providing a free of charge service and in some case providing financial backing to these talented people’s “conceptual art.”

So, I asked the question. If we are providing advice, platform and networking (i.e. services), collaboration, reviews and critiques (i.e. time) and backing (i.e. money) then why are we pursuing? The response was unanimous, crickets.

There’s your change. We provide the energy, advice and sometimes the capital. If you want to look into what RTS can do for you – ask. We are a friendly bunch with lots of ideas and whatnot's but the onus is on you, the artist.

Rollin' with RTS

Originally, my scope of performance for RTS was that of a simple writer. I contributed SEO content, ghost for other writers and want to be novelist, reviewed the work of other writers and gave general business advice. As a scriptwriter (somewhat successful, not to boast), this was all exciting and new. The challenges were something to look forward too and the privilege to work with Nicole Jackman – was pudding.

Razor Thin Studios, affectionately known as RTS is a young venture, started, really in 2012 by Nicole. The company was just a place for Nicole to work with young talent and keep herself busy, when she was not taking care of her musical side. You see, Nicole too was a ghost. She though, was of the musical world. Writing lyrics and music for the new, established and in some cases the quite successful.

Nicole Jackman was a Kiwi – from Stewart Island, with a tragic life - orphaned at a young age through the tragic death of her mother, who both survived the earlier death of her father. From there, Nicole found her way through numerous foster homes. With the state of New Zealand moving her from place to place, Hamilton, Christchurch, Dunedin and Wellington, until she had enough of the state system and fled on her own to Auckland.

Once she came of age, there was quite the trust waiting for her. After much ado, she won her trust and estate and did the unthinkable. A young woman, stricken with much sadness and treated something less than human, Nicole liquidated her trust and donated much of her money to various children’s organisations. Settling into a flat in Auckland, she made a name for herself writing songs.

Of course, all of this is the truncated version of her upbringing because this isn’t an autobiography of Nicole. I met Nicole via the net when I applied for a ghosting position with RTS. It was a brief email and a quick “Welcome.” Nothing more, rather ambiguous and unimpressive, as I recall but the ensuing whirlwind was epic, however.

RTS is a touch over one year old and I hold the reigns, if for no other reason than to honor Nicole.  Nicole (“Nic,” “Nikki,” “Kiwi,” “Jack” and “Wolverine”) Jackman passed away a few months back. At the wee age of 25, from doing what she loved – tearing up a mountainside on her snowboard. Living her life to the fullest and giving it hell.

Things are not the same but we carry on. Nicole is missed, be certain about that, but never forgotten. We pass time at RTS, working, reviewing and yes, even writing, illustrating and snapping photos … always with Nicole in mind and the purpose of carrying on her RTS.