Hello.
I am a writer. Who are you?
I have been writing all my life but I have rarely tried to publish anything. Why? Because I can work and work on a story, send it out to magazine after magazine, and never have it accepted, or I can have it accepted and then find out that very few people ever read it. So the effort of publishing does not seem to equal the payback. Also, I am lazy.
At the same time, I recognize that the only way I'll ever improve my writing is if I get my work "out there." I need to know how people besides myself and my friends would react to it. I need some objective opinions.
So this is what I've decided to do. I'll put my work up on this weblog--recent writings, old stories, anything, really. And I'll invite you to tell me what you think. I know many people claim they want honest opinions and then throw screaming fits when they get them, but I am serious. I want to know what you think. Debate is a good thing.
This is all a bit abstract at the moment, but that is because this is mainly a test entry. More to come, I promise.
It's me again. I'm just checking to see if this comments button works.
Posted by: eshtine at May 14, 2002 05:46 PMPOEM: It's really good, but the second stanza--the long unrythmic lines--break up the pace and mood. I would leave the content because it's so important, but try short phrases like the first stanza.
LECTURE FROM YOUR SELF-APPOINTED DUTCH UNCLE: Speaking as somebody with 212 declines and thirteen published stories...OK, It's tough to get past that soothing contralto of yours, but the writing is good with a unique voice/flavor. Yes, when you work out your hourly rate, it's about 50 cents and hour. BUT..in imitation of God you are creating! What about the people who've read your book about the Nylons? Don't you think they're better for reading it?
ADVANCE APOLOGY-if THE GODDESS read this instead of 'Angie'...(Scene: Blood splattered wooden pole bedecked with flowers in a forest meadow, breeze tinkling wind chimes) "Show mercy She Who Is All That Is Female. Be patient with this poor creature as he worships, unworthily, from afar..."
I thought you were German, Chris, now you're Dutch?
I guess that makes me Eshtine's Transylvanian or French cousin...I have so many choices.
Anyway, I agree with your uncle, even though I fear I have a similar amount of energy for the business side of this thing as you do. I know with my own journal, once I develop an audience, I plan to link to places where people can purchase copies of my chapbooks, etc.
Focus on the shorter writings here if you wish...but still try to market some of those longer pieces that I know will find a home.
And never call yourself lazy. How many months did you host that radio show?
Week after Week you showed up, with an entire show prepared. That took organization, and dedication.
And you interviewed many people and put those interviews together into a biography. That's not the act of a lazy person.
Posted by: Cal at May 16, 2002 01:51 PMHey, Angie! Testing? Testing? 1,2,3, Testing? Looks good! Hope you get lots of great feedback. I promise to be an honest contributor. I'll call when I get back!
Love, Stephanie
Dutch uncle--and Cal, I'm sure he means Dutch as in "Dutchtown": "Deutsch"--don't think I wish to keep what I write away from an audience; exactly the opposite. I thought that if I do this properly--create a quality weblog and spread the word by any available means--I will reach an audience, potentially a larger audience than that which I would get from more traditional publishing. But I also think of this as supplement to traditional publishing, not replacement. Yes, Cal, I will try to pound the pavement on some of the other pieces. Or make my agent do it. ;)
Also, this is getting me in the habit of writing things much more frequently and regularly. That should mean I'll have more stuff that's potentially publishable, not less. I'm willing to give "free samples" at the beginning of my writing career if it'll help build brand loyalty, to use the crassest marketing metaphors.
Cal feels much better. (And should have known...being able to read minds and all.)
Posted by: cal at May 17, 2002 12:21 AM