Fiction/Older Beginning Writers
Subject: Fiction/Older Beginning Writers
Author: Writers Club Members
Uploaded By: TwisterB
Date: 10/7/1996
File: OLDERB~1.TXT (64930 bytes)
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This is the archive from the Fiction - Older Beginning Writes folder from 5/4/96 - 6/30/96.
Enjoy!
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Older Newbie-FTRL
Date: 96-05-04 12:14:54 edt
From: Ldwriter
Posted on: America Online
The book sounds good. Wish you all luck & $$. Don't you think it's appalling that you sell it in '94 and it's out two years later?! I hope we all live long enough to see our successes!!!
LD
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Older Newbie-FTRL
Date: 96-05-04 16:15:45 edt
From: FTLRSC
Posted on: America Online
Thanks. I guess writing is always a humbling experience ... and waiting must be part of that. Two and a half years is longer than the norm for sure.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Older Newbie-FTRL
Date: 96-05-04 19:50:53 edt
From: Carolmbly
Posted on: America Online
Sounds like a good plot, too. Is she shot by a fundamentalist believer because no woman should be president because it means she isn't letting her husb be head of household? Never mind, you don't have to answer that. It sounds like a terrific plot.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Book's done, now what?
Date: 96-05-08 12:59:08 edt
From: Cheyenered
Posted on: America Online
I have just completed a southern novel of murder humor, intrigue. And contrary to popular belief there's no incest. But, now what? marketing isn't my forte. And rejections . . . well, I seem to have rejection whiplash, they come back so fast. Help! I'm in South Florida writing, and lost in my own world when it comes to marketing. Is there a marketing network?
LOve to all the solitary writers out there.
Laurie
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Late start vs. early bloom
Date: 96-05-09 10:58:42 edt
From: OB1GeoB
Posted on: America Online
I'm about to turn thirty-five this year, and often regret not having completed the novels I outlined and started in my early twenties. Then again, I think that some of us need to live a bit more before we can really find what it is we should write about.
I have had some excellent story ideas over the years, and I hope to live long enough to use every one of them. Looking back through what I wrote, however, I am thankful that I didn't let those ideas go to waste by writing them before they could be fully developed in my mind. Sort of like serving wine too soon before its time.
Two writers come to mind for me when I think about this - one who started young, and another who started later.
Brett Easton Ellis was the wunderkind college student who had a great hit with his first novel. The attention he received for this compelled him to write more stories with the impression that everything he wrote would turn to gold, and the rest is history. Not to say he couldn't make a comeback, but he lacked the maturity to sustain his success.
James Michener, on the other hand, got started in his mid-forties, and has certainly gone the distance with one successful book after another.
Looking at how my novel is currently coming, and comparing it to the short story that it was twelve years ago, I am vastly relieved that I didn't try to rush anything too much. It's hard not to get discouraged, though, when you hear about folks like Ray Bradbury, who has written 1,000 words a day since he was twelve. Just shows to go ya - we're all different - *thank God!*
- George
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Book's done, now what?
Date: 96-05-09 23:33:42 edt
From: GYFort
Posted on: America Online
"Marketing network--apparently not. Welcome to the club> Use LMP at public lib to trace agents/publishers. If that doesn't work, stick around and have wounds licked by similar souls.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Older Newbie
Date: 96-05-10 15:02:35 edt
From: JPadg32844
Posted on: America Online
I can remember very clearly in grade school writing plays for my dolls and stuffed animals to perform.Right now is the time in my life that I feel overwhelmed with all that I need to get done. I have a 2 year old son who keeps me very busy. Yet,in the middle of the night,sometimes I am overwhelmed with the feeling that I must write. I do keep a journal ,I must. I find that I have some of the excentricies described earlier.I was just wondering when you finally decided that you wanted to get serious about writing. I am 28 years old and filled with ideas but I never seem to get them down on paper.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Older Newbie
Date: 96-05-10 17:45:34 edt
From: Carolmbly
Posted on: America Online
Padg,
I don't know if this will help. I loved raising children and they did keep me from writing, but I decided I would wait and hope health held up etc--and do the children thing with whole heart (well whole heart minus keeping a v factual nearly list-like journal so I wouldn't forget cert things--and I managed an anti war poetry pubn and ligher-weight stuff like that. So I raised children from age 31 (when first came) until 43 when the last of the 4 was big enough so I could a) go to the bathroom alone, such atreat, and b) leave the room for a few minuytes without his eating soap flakes or anything. I then began essays which became my first book (at age 5l) The NYr took a story of mine when I was 49. We're talking serious Later Start -since then I have published a fdew more books of sh sts and essays. The drawback: I am suddenly in a race to get what I have planmned before the energy dropoff gets serious. I am 66 and I can't help noticing that at 9 pm I am too tired to think. So I may have overplayed my hand, and I might not get done the 3 more books I want done.
But listen Padg, there's this about it: I have never been sorry that I didn't shortchange the childreen--children are so holy and funny and great-it'd be horrible, horrible, to shut down their enthusiasm with Mama's going to bloody shut thed oor and write now. We tried it once. I heard my husband explaining outside my study, The reason you can't go in to Mama is she is working now--I thought the hell with it, and came out.
So I expect this gives you a kind of mixed message to weigh. -Carol P.S. one person's solution can someone else's dog's breakfast, too!
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Older Newbie
Date: 96-05-10 19:05:31 edt
From: MWATERS
Posted on: America Online
Padg, I'm with Carol! I had the urge all along, hadn't written a thing worthwhile since before the kids came along. Just got my first story published at 49, 1st novel is out there, second one on the way. Which am I prouder of, the writing or the 4 creative, humane young men who took all that time, made those mounds of laundry. No contest. If you can write without robbing your children, go for it, but if it's a trade, you can never recapture a day spent with your child. Smell that little hollow right behind his ear after his bath. It's got to be sweeter than a Pulitzer Prize. ... meg
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Older Newbie
Date: 96-05-10 21:28:08 edt
From: FTLRSC
Posted on: America Online
It seems I've been writing fiction every day of my life -- but, in fact, there have been huge gaps where children and work took all the time and the only real writing I was doing was in my head. Altho I'd written many short stories, I didn't actually begin work on my first novel until I was 48; it took a year and a half to write; I sold it at 50. From my experience it's all a process. When you're not actually writing, something else is going on. When the time comes to go at it non-stop, you can't help yourself.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Older Newbie
Date: 96-05-11 00:47:19 edt
From: Carolmbly
Posted on: America Online
Padg,
I hope YOU take heart from these posts. I know I do. I was so glad to read Meg's and FTL's remarks.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: From life to fiction
Date: 96-05-11 09:37:46 edt
From: JRynerMA
Posted on: America Online
Older writers have the potential to be better writers because of their depth of experience in living. If we write from the heart of what we know, we know more. The question is how to take that leap from life experiences to fiction, how to expand beyond the personal to touch others who equally struggle to understand this life?
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:From life to fiction
Date: 96-05-11 10:23:27 edt
From: Carolmbly
Posted on: America Online
Best procedure to move from life to universal literature is to take week- and two-week-long courses in serious writing, avoiding the elderhostel kind simply because their ambience is not heavily industrious. If one works utterly alone one makes the same psychological mistakes over and over. One needs the community and the mentorship of a serious writing course. Or so I feel.
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Life to Fiction
Date: 96-05-12 08:35:48 edt
From: JRynerMA
Posted on: America Online
I agree. Feedback from other writers in a workshop or reading group helps to narrow the discrepancy between what you think you're saying and what you're actually saying, and you're not alone, mucking around in the same old unproductive sour grapes, tripping over the same old third foot. But there are little stories that have meaning to me only. How to transform the limited view into something others flock to. Has something to do with themes? Also knowing what details to include and what to leave out, even if true?
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Life to Fiction
Date: 96-05-12 09:50:11 edt
From: MWATERS
Posted on: America Online
JRyner, and others who might be interested. Right here, on AOL, we have a first class short fiction workshop that functions just like the real thing. We've been going for just on two years now, with a solid core group, interesting writing, and some amazingly astute critiquing. Dawn Patrol meets Monday mornings at 10 eastern in the writers' workshop. e-mail me for details. --- meg
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éFiction Writing
Subj: age of most writers?
Date: 96-05-13 17:17:47 edt
From: Cinn60717
Posted on: America Online
I was just curious- is there such thing as "too old." to write? Writing is not like acting, modeling or sports- how your body looks and operates is, for the most part, irrevalent.
I myself am 24 years old and have been writing novels (none published as of yet) since I was 16. Even I'VE found my work getting better and better as I get older! (my latest novel is under consideration by a publisher at this time) and I, frankly, look forward to even more improvement as time goes on.
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:age of most writers?
Date: 96-05-13 20:15:52 edt
From: SMolthop
Posted on: America Online
No, you're never too old to write. Louis L'Amour was still writing in his 80's and Phyllis Whitney is 90 something. Michener is no spring chicken, either.
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Old Newbies
Date: 96-05-15 21:30:06 edt
From: NPELLET
Posted on: America Online
Count me in too at 49! I've been looking for a group with similar experiences. I teach languages full-time but there is this summer to write. I'll be back.
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éFiction Writing
Subj: From Socks to Dave
Date: 96-05-16 00:50:20 edt
From: SocksTCat
Posted on: America Online
Dear Dave,
It's ok- I didn't feel you "slammed." me at all! I just wanted to talk.
Meow from the White House,
-Socks
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:"Older Newbie"
Date: 96-05-16 11:41:05 edt
From: Dovekeeper
Posted on: America Online
Hi to all... I am new to AOL and I was excited to find this board. I am 37 and have had a few nonfiction articles published. I have been working sporadically on a young adult novel and am close to finishing. Also, like all of you, have MANY other ideas waiting in the wings. I have also had some photography published.I would love to hear from others!Congrats to the ones who have published!
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Life to Fiction
Date: 96-05-16 17:55:50 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
I didn't mean to be eavesdropping on your message to JRyner regarding a short fiction workshop online. I'd be interested in learning more about it. If you wouldn't mind doing so, would you kindly copy-me on the details you send to JRyner. Thank you. -----Roy
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Older Newbie
Date: 96-05-17 20:01:29 edt
From: Zubx
Posted on: America Online
All of you are kids! I am a retired with 8-9 yrs published works behind me. Political/environmental/humor etc.(150pub articles or so) Major polititions. etc. Keep both novels going and anything else! I have a novel and about four articles plus three children stories going. Fiction is a new genre but I study as well as write and won't give up until it's feet first. I love to write/help others!
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Lurking
Date: 96-05-22 21:41:43 edt
From: SMolthop
Posted on: America Online
Hey! Where is anybody? How can I lurk when there's nothing to lurk at? What's everybody working on? I'm on chapter 3 of novel 3 (all unpublished - 1 mystery, the other women's fiction). I submitted my first children's short fiction, last week. I'm 51 and looking for serious penpals.
Suz
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Lurking
Date: 96-05-23 12:30:25 edt
From: FTLRSC
Posted on: America Online
Hi Suz. Still here, just distracted. I'm also working on third novel (altho I'm calling it Novel 2 because the second one just didn't work out). I check the board each morning, right after taking a look at the stock quotes to see if I'm still solvent, but don't always have time to add anything -- or something to say.
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Lurking
Date: 96-05-23 17:25:47 edt
From: XPhilya
Posted on: America Online
I like lurking too, but you all sound nice so I thought I would ask some questions.
I want write, and realize that starting small is the best way. I just feel so overwhelmed and am afraid of wasting time. How did you all start?
Oh, I'm 42, have some great ideas, and would appreciate any help at all on how to get going :-)
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Lurking
Date: 96-05-23 19:38:35 edt
From: SMolthop
Posted on: America Online
Just do it! The only time you waste is the time when you aren't writing.
Suz
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éFiction Writing
Subj: 1.
Date: 96-05-24 10:02:05 edt
From: Carolmbly
Posted on: America Online
Exphylya:
I think I don't agree with SuzM on her advise "just do it." There are some basic theories of writing that will save you decades, decades of wasted time doing second-rate work. I would take a weeklong summer writing course at one or another Summer Creative Writing place, of which there are a lot. Otherwise you will go on doing for years, for example, in a story, a) a dull gesture that's gener9ic to everyone followed by b) a dull flashback--e.g.
John woke to the sound of the alarm and reached out to turn it off. Another day, he thought. Then he remembered that this was the day Aunt Fussette was going to have the litter of puppies drowned. He sprang to his feet etc etc
A writing teacher would tell you straight to forget all alarm-clock-turning-off and go straight to what is horrible and interesting, Aunt Fussette--and avoid flashbacks in a second draft. (We all write them in a first draft.)
I would get instruction in creative wtg.
My experience is, I by bad luck went toWellesley College at a time when there was no writer teaching writing in the Engl Dept except one autobiographical one-novel nov elist. So the people theoretically teaching how to write couodn't or didn't do it thgemsevles. Thirty miles MacLeish was teaching men and women HOW to write creative pieces. It took me ten years just to learn theories--such as don'yt tell, show; don't do interior monologue if you can possibly to a good theatrical sort of scene...etc
I feel kind of heated on the subject and have a written a book on how to do creative writing just out of my own annoyance.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: DO It!
Date: 96-05-24 13:17:44 edt
From: SMolthop
Posted on: America Online
Let's hear it for the watchdogs on these boards. I was guilty of over-simplifying. I apologize. What I really should have said was "Do something." Don't just wish and think about it. Get active. Nothing you DO is a waste of time, worrying about the futility of it is.
Suz
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:DO It!
Date: 96-05-24 14:04:58 edt
From: SMolthop
Posted on: America Online
Sorry, folks, I’m STILL oversimplifying, so I’ll stop being so cheap, and give this topic all the words it deserves.
Carol "wasted" 10 years being a hack. I wasted 10 years fantasizing about being a writer. I had to graduate to hack status. I’m a firm believer in DIRTFT (Do It Right The First Time), but the resources for that aren’t always available. I also believe in two other truths. 1) Inertia - every day you don’t write makes it more difficult to write the following day, and 2) We learn from our mistakes – not as well or as much as from an expert instructor, but something of value, anyway.
There was a saying going around a few years ago. "Do something, even if it’s wrong." When the ONLY choice is between that and "worrying", I’ll do something "wrong" every time.
Suz
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:DO It!
Date: 96-05-24 18:07:46 edt
From: Carolmbly
Posted on: America Online
Suz,
Thanks from (I bet) a lot of us--wise. I feel kind of refurbished and ready for the crawl again after reading your post. Thanks a lot. -Carol
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éFiction Writing
Subj: New on the oldies net
Date: 96-05-25 19:17:33 edt
From: Thrider
Posted on: America Online
HI,
i'M A FORTY-SEVEN -YEAR-OLD WANNA BE. I have been writing for eleven years. My genre is Horror/Fantasy.
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:New on the oldies net
Date: 96-05-26 14:43:23 edt
From: AHDN64
Posted on: America Online
You're not a "wanna be" you are a "to be" or "prepublished" - a term I just saw on a post today. I have been writing seriously (meaning for submission) for six years and my first horror/fantasy was published earlier this year in HAUNTS. I have had several other peices published including a children's Christmas story in HOPSCOTCH. Keep at it. It will happen. 90% perserverence and 100% constant writing. We'll let you eat and keep your day job. Just give up sleep. :(
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re: Pre-published, whatever
Date: 96-05-29 17:39:19 edt
From: Ldwriter
Posted on: America Online
Writers write--that's what makes them writers. The publication, payment, etc. is irrelevant. As they say, apply chair to butt and start writing. Good or bad, don't worry--you WILL produce something. You WILL find an audience.
Good luck,
LD
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éFiction Writing
Subj: From life to fiction
Date: 96-05-29 17:41:06 edt
From: FourSuns2
Posted on: America Online
A friend in NM told me about your "Building Bridges: Writing and Assembling the Stories of Your Life" series of workshops and publications by and for older writers. Please send me more information. I have a few stories to tell but need help and I can't travel.
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Listing messages
Date: 96-05-30 11:29:01 edt
From: AlyceMaySk
Posted on: America Online
When you click on the little screen that comes up, there may not have been a message posted that day...so change the number in the little window to +1...sometimes people don't post every day. So I usually type 10...in that box and the last ten days of postings usually come up....
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Listing messages
Date: 96-06-04 23:26:59 edt
From: Carolmbly
Posted on: America Online
Listen, people, would you be interested in exchanging writing problems, so people could come up with suggestions for one another here?
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Listing messages
Date: 96-06-05 18:30:18 edt
From: SMolthop
Posted on: America Online
You durn betcha!
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Rejuvenating this folder
Date: 96-06-07 00:44:32 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
This folder can be a useful resourse to older beginning writers, if it is used effectively.
It can be a place to get an answer to a writing problem, from a peer, if you ask a specific question. The question must be reasonable however, in terms of being answerable. For example, it would not be reasonable to ask, "Would someone show me how to write? I have a lot of stories to tell." That is just not do-able here. The person would be better off taking a writing course at a local college. On the other hand, if the question were, "I have trouble developing my characters, can someone give me some tips?" That's a reasonable and answerable question.
This forum is also a good place to discuss writing philosophies, successes, failures, craft techniques and writing lifestyles, etc. Don't hit and run, come back often and get to know other writers by questioning and commenting on their messages. You may be able to help someone else, yourself.
xxxxxxxxx
Now, for some trivial information (some stats I recently heard):
Q. How many copies of the average published book are sold?
A. Less than 2,000
Q. How many copies would be considered pretty good sales?
A. 5,000
Q. How many copies would be considered very good sales?
A. 20,000
Bottom Line:
The Steven Kings, John Irvings, and other big name writers, taken all together, comprise a minute percentage of all writers. Something comparable to a speck of dust.
Hence the statement, "writers write because they have to write," not because of the sales or the money. (Although that sweetens things when it happens.)
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Age?
Date: 96-06-07 06:03:50 edt
From: PurpleKB
Posted on: America Online
What does "Older" mean - I'm 35 - does that fit?
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Age?
Date: 96-06-07 17:30:52 edt
From: Carolmbly
Posted on: America Online
WTG, Exeter. Good post.
Purple, what's wrong with 35? Do join.
I am 66 now, but started publishing at 43, which I considered very old. A common pattern among married women of my generation however.
Good luck with this folder, people. I have to go offline for 2 plus weeks so can't join in.
Best luck, all.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re: Rejuvenating this folder
Date: 96-06-07 19:27:31 edt
From: BirdOnHigh
Posted on: America Online
Thanks ExeterNH. I come here often but I'm not sure why.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Bird on High
Date: 96-06-07 19:45:11 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
Leave some of your pearls of wisdom here when you visit, they may help someone else. Or they might just be interesting reading. Ask a question about writing, if you have one. It gives someone else an opportunity to post back. Roy
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Age?/Purple K
Date: 96-06-07 19:53:24 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
Purple there are no rules as far as I know, and no one is checking IDs at the door. I'm 66, but I suspect I'm considerably older than most people in here. So feel at home. Older is a relative term.
We can all learn by sharing, so bring your writing problems, joys, and concerns to the clubhouse. (PS, if you are the last one out be sure to turn off the lights and lock the door.) Roy
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éFiction Writing
Subj: It doesn't hurt. Hop in.
Date: 96-06-08 21:51:05 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
Well, I'm insistent on getting this forum going, because I think there are a lot of you first time older writers, and wannabees (that's okay), that need help and encouragement. We all wish we had started writing when we were 23, but we didn't ( for a lot of different reasons) but that doesn't mean you don't have a brilliant writing career ahead of you. So hop in and start a discussion, ask a question, or make a comment. It doesn't hurt, and it may just be the thing to get you started again on your writing. Roy
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: If you can't get started
Date: 96-06-09 21:53:15 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
Remember, you're not the only person that's having a hard time getting started:
* "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" was turned down by eighteen publishers before Macmillan published it and sold seven million copies.
* Walt Disney was once fired because "he didn't have any ideas."
* Author Louisa May Alcott's family advised her she make a better seamstress than a writer.
* Beethoven's early music teacher called him hopeless.
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Writing, Sex and Riches
Date: 96-06-10 20:33:56 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
The subject title was simply intended to draw you in here. I'm giving this folder two more days to come to life. I can't believe there are no older beginning writers out there. Is this folder too hard to find? Do you stop in and just lurk for a while, then leave? (Lurking is OK, but you'll get much more out of it, if you participate.) I'm beginning to feel like a gardner trying to get some older seeds to germinate, but am not having much luck. If you're a writer, tell us what you are writing (or trying to write). Find out how other writers work their craft.
Bye (snapping lights out and locking door)
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: I'm here
Date: 96-06-10 22:45:00 edt
From: Dmaree7143
Posted on: America Online
Am working on my first novel after moderate success as a non-fiction (article) writer. I found the book "The Weekend Novelist" a great help to finding my own starting point. For character "design" I used an astrology book, then let the characters take it the scenes from there. It really helps me to define the action if I continue to ask myself, What does this person want to happen with this event? Where is the conflict?
I don't know if it's successful; this is my first attempt! Diana
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Afraid to finish
Date: 96-06-11 09:59:56 edt
From: TIAJA747
Posted on: America Online
I've been reading this board for a long time. Some of the messages (very few) are encouraging. Others make me feel as though I'm trying to open a door with too many locks. In other words, there are so many experienced voices; published articles, novels, teaching experience and so forth. All I have behind me is the desire to write(since I could hold a pencil, so my mother say) and life experience. Fifty one years worth. But, I wonder if that's enough. Oh, I've taken a few writing courses and came out the highest in my class but, I still feel as though I'm lacking something. Is that just me and my lack of confidence?
I can't tell you how many notebooks I have with stories started and not finished. There were a lot of what I consider valid excuses in the beginning for not completing anything. Being a working mother/wife. Waiting for the children to be grown and gone. Well, there's no one but me and hubby now. So, what's my excuse?
Is it normal for me to have this constant thought: What makes me think I can write?
By the way. I have been told that my writing and ideas are very good. Still, I feel like something is missing. Help!!
edna
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:I'm here
Date: 96-06-11 12:58:36 edt
From: FTLRSC
Posted on: America Online
I'm still here too. I have my first reading and book signing next month (for my first novel), which would be very exciting if I weren't struggling so hard with the second one. Still, it's what I love to do. I'm 52. I've spent a zillion years in the corporate rat race (I don't do that anymore). I've raised kids (they're grown). I still have to freelance on the side, but hey -- it's moving in the right direction.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Afraid to finish
Date: 96-06-11 16:17:18 edt
From: SkiDancer2
Posted on: America Online
Edna,
Sounds like you have all the skills to write but one. Determination. Pick one of the stories you like and DECIDE TO FINISH IT ! ! Along the way it is going to turn into work and on some bad days--drudgery. Hang in there.
If it were easy, anybody could do it.
Ski
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Afraid to finish
Date: 96-06-11 19:13:08 edt
From: Dovekeeper
Posted on: America Online
I am one of the majority that somtimes has a love/hate relationship with the computer...Sometimes I find I can get up early, send my son to school, and work most of the morning before I have to take a breather. Other times I feel like a lion tamer, chair in hand, trying to tame the IBM beast into doing what I want it to do. Often I wake in the middle of the night with a terrific idea and will have a few hours of productive time while everyone else sleeps... If I am desperately blocked, I go to the library, pull books at random, and read what others write. And the notebook is always with me, clinging like an obsessive child... I have been writing for only a few years and have published several articles, but nothing brilliant yet! I keep telling my tax man, next year is going to be the big one! He gives me good advice- "I believe you because you believe in yourself!"
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:This board
Date: 96-06-11 22:26:15 edt
From: GYFort
Posted on: America Online
ExeterNH--I've browsed this board for months. Is this a new version?
edna--I agree with your comment. I've tried to interact on a number of boards. Some are and "in crowd," so I mainly lurk, learning what I can. There's a lot of criticism lurking, too. I just like to have fun. I've written for ten years: poems, articles, published. No novel--yet. How can I help?
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Afraid to finish
Date: 96-06-11 23:16:49 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
Sounds to me like you have some talent that needs to be focused. Confidence will come as you get deeper into your story. Why not start with something you are interested in and feel comfortable with. Stick to the familiar at first. Perhaps write a short story to begin. Play around with several ideas until one surfaces above the others in your mind and enthusiasm, then write that one. P.S. Even published writers struggle.
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:I'm here
Date: 96-06-11 23:20:37 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
I bet you will be successful Diana. Even though writing nonfiction is worlds away from fiction, the discipline of writing nonfiction helps. Your word skills are developed and you have endured working on a long project. Hang in. We'll be looking for your title soon.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:I'm here/FTLRSC
Date: 96-06-11 23:30:11 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
Sounds like you've got it on automatic pilot. I too, like to start new projects soon after completing one. It's was like "root canal" getting started again, the one time that I waited too long. Signings will keep you busy. Maybe you can tie in some press releases with the signings, for even broader exposure. I like radio interviews -- and much prefer live ones over taped ones. The live ones have an energy level that is missing in the taped interviews. Good Luck.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:This board
Date: 96-06-11 23:39:53 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
Edna, I think you belong right here. Put your feet up on the hassock and let's talk writing. Any talk about writing is good talk, and all levels of writers are welcome.
No this isn't a new version of this folder. It was dying a slow death however for lack of participation, so I thought I'd try some CPR on it. And WOW, was I surprised today to see all these messages. here.
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Afraid to finish
Date: 96-06-12 12:17:16 edt
From: MABM
Posted on: America Online
You struck a note with me. I also have many unfinished stories and lots and lots of ideas listed, but....
However, I have also finished two books (still looking for agent/publisher) and am working on a third. I've also submitted several short stories to various markets. No takers yet, but I slowly persevere. I need a marketing plan, because my submissions are hit and miss (strong on the MISS part). Rejections don't depress me as much any more, but they are still not uplifting!
Any ideas on marketing plans?
BTW, I'm in my fifties, so I fit the older beginning writers criteria. I've also lurked off and on at this board.
I've taken several online writing courses which have been very helpful in honing my writing skills, but not yet my marketing skills. Help???!!!
Cheers, Mary Alice
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Help
Date: 96-06-12 20:13:30 edt
From: SMolthop
Posted on: America Online
Help! My novel-in-progress is about 4 misfits who band together out of desperation. They have to learn to be lovable. Eventually they’ll live happily ever after, but the 1st 20 pages are really depressing. Will readers put up with it? Is there any way to lighten the burden? I could start the book before the disasters strike, but that seems like a dirty trick, too. Any suggestions?
Suz
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Older Newbie
Date: 96-06-12 21:38:24 edt
From: ZINLADY
Posted on: America Online
Gotcha beat, and I'm doin' it! Love every minute of it.
Have a great mentor I found on line.
I'm on chapter 30, of God knows how many, but guess I'll go until my tale is told. It's based on my girlfriends life, with a lot of literary license thrown in. She loves it! As do several other people, who are reading it as I write it - all the way from Mayland to Hawaii to Arizona.
Where do your interest lie?
Joan
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Afraid to finish/MABM
Date: 96-06-12 23:09:15 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
Why don't you try focusing on one of the novels. Reread it, now that some time has passed. You may need to revise it. Then start sending it out again. But first I'd suggest, sending a query letter to prospective agents, with a synopsis of the novel. If you need more agents names AAR (in N.Y.C.) will send you a list of all their members. AAR is the Association of Author's Representatives.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Trucking Along
Date: 96-06-13 14:30:44 edt
From: SpearsJD
Posted on: America Online
Four Boston area would-be-novelists looking for one or possibly two additional serious (can't stop writing) members of our group (5th member took job in NYC). We've met once a week for 15 months (only 2 or 3 misses). Member experiences range from eight years of writing (1st nearly finished) to one year, but all write every week and submit (usually) every week.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:It can be done
Date: 96-06-13 21:10:26 edt
From: ZINLADY
Posted on: America Online
I'd love to see your approach to shameless self-publishing. I'm sure we all would. Guess you don't 'good luck' on NATHAN'S RUN, so how about, CONGRATULATIONS.
Joan
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éFiction Writing
Subj: The Delicacy of Words
Date: 96-06-13 22:29:01 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
Writers-- those of you who struggle with words everyday, trying to say things in a different way or more precisely, might enjoy this anecdote regarding words:
After one of his presidential campaign speeches, a lady rushed to greet Adlai Stevenson, saying, "Governor Stevenson, your speech was absolutely SUPERFLUOUS."
To which he responded, "Why, thank you. I plan to have it published POSTHUMOUSLY."
Getting the last word, she volleyed back, "Wonderful, the sooner the better."
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Quiet in here today
Date: 96-06-14 22:43:54 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
The July '96 Writer's Digest has five tips for keeping your writing dreams alive. Hope they help someone. Here they are:
1. Use spare vacation days to write.
2. Learn the hours of your local library and use it.
3. Start your own library (books, magazines, folders, etc.)
4. Hook up your computer to an on-line service.
5. Interview your subjects by mail, if you can't get to them personally.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Quiet in here today
Date: 96-06-15 01:24:23 edt
From: MotoRuss
Posted on: America Online
Thanks Exeter!
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Quiet in here today
Date: 96-06-15 01:26:57 edt
From: MotoRuss
Posted on: America Online
Thanks Exeter!
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Writing, Sex and Riches
Date: 96-06-15 20:23:55 edt
From: JBoone1995
Posted on: America Online
You asked for older writers--so--I am 74 and going strong. After 40 years in business and 21 nonfiction books, I retired and decided to write novels. I am on my 9th and having the time of my life. I write crime fiction. My average novel has 100,000 words. I have 16 outlines that I would like to finish, but I am not so naive as to believe that will happen, even if my family members live to a ripe old age and most have stayed fairly lucid most of that time. My word of advice is to tell all who read this that you can do it, and more than likely YOU WILL LOVE IT. It is addictive to some degree. Sit yourself down and get to work. I have many rejections, and even though I don't like them (no writer in his right mind would) I tolerate them and understand. Agents are nearly impossible to get unless you have a certain amount of notoriety or celebrity status. Otherwise, you are on the bottom of the totum pole. That isn't a bad place to be. Look at being on the bottom as an opportunity and start your climb by writing every day, write and study, study and write, over and over, but do it and mail it to everybody who you think has access to a printing press. Don't be ashamed. You have only one way to go--up. I have one novel slated for publication in late 1997, another on option for a movie and seven sadly lacking the quality to be anything except candidates for many rewrites. Good luck and God bless. No more complaints about age until you pass me. I expect to be writing at 85. Wanna bet?
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Writing, Sex and Riches
Date: 96-06-15 23:52:49 edt
From: Dovekeeper
Posted on: America Online
Thanks for the very positive advice, Boone!! I am a big fan of crime novels; what are the titles?
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Writing, Sex and Riches
Date: 96-06-16 14:23:51 edt
From: MargeeBee
Posted on: America Online
Good for you Boone-----hey any relation to Daniel? I've printed out your message and intend to put it in a frame. Every time I get discouraged----I'm going to read your message again.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Writing
Date: 96-06-16 17:44:25 edt
From: JBoone1995
Posted on: America Online
Dovekeeper: The new title going to my agent tomorrow is The Plan To Kill--Others are The Estonia System (optioned for a TV movie)--The Rebel--Doc of New Georgia (1997 publication date) The Eagle Society--Miss Emma's Way--Billy Box--The Mariscal Project and a book of 19 short stories.(available to be published in book form only). My present books in print are--The Nation's Party Concept and Rage in Utopis. All of the other nonfiction is out of print. That is one of the problems with nonfiction. In this day and age, things change quickly and books become obsolete nearly overnight. But thanks for asking. I still hope to become a writer some day. I'm working on it. I have been on over 200 talk show stations around the country (a drag) and have had several book signings (moderate success) You have a lot to look forward to. Goos luck.
MargeeBee: Thanks for asking. No, I'm not related to Daniel. He was a bum.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Older Newbie
Date: 96-06-16 20:41:12 edt
From: Jrowe43
Posted on: America Online
explain what and how to do story board. i am 43 years old, and starting to write. have wanted to for years, but just can't get started. i like the idea of characters taking over when you did story board. tell me more!!!
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: J. Boone, Keep it up
Date: 96-06-16 22:42:18 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
It's good to hear from you J. Boone. You certainly have a lot of experience writing and publishing. Please stay active in this folder. You postings would be an excellent resource for many older beginning writers.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:J. Boone, Keep it up
Date: 96-06-17 09:42:30 edt
From: TIAJA747
Posted on: America Online
J. Boone! You are a big inspiration!! Stay with us!
edna
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Getting Over the Hill
Date: 96-06-17 22:27:07 edt
From: DS ANTIQUE
Posted on: America Online
Four years ago, started a biography, twisted it into a novel, had it hammered by friends, had people get awestruck by it, sent it out to publisher who fired back a lengthy praiseful letter, revised the whole thing again on advice from another published author; now this thing talks to me at night, haunts me where ever I am; the people in it are bigger than life; just fired off another query letter with first chapter today. I am older than 50. Have many published poems and essays. My book is a tonic. Keeps me alive. Am I going nuts? Will this thing get published while I am alive?
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Getting Over the Hill
Date: 96-06-18 22:28:26 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
Antique -- Did the publisher who praised your manuscript give any indication why they were not buying it? I'm wondering why you revised "the whole thing" as you put it? Maybe you should take another look at the previous version, with an eye to sending it out to more publishers. Have you attempted to find an agent to sell it for you? Tell us more.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Getting Over the Hill
Date: 96-06-18 23:38:40 edt
From: DS ANTIQUE
Posted on: America Online
Dear ExeterNH. In the original opening chapter, I did not rivet my character into the reader's imagination on the first page, (according to one pro writer who critiqued my piece). So I took this real writer out to lunch and we hammered out a new first chapter approach over a ruben sandwich. During this discussion, we realized that my main character was being blurred by siblings and parents, so we chopped them out of the plot and exposed my main guy to the major issues by killing off his family members. This way we clarified things to my readers. Yes, these revisions cost me time and patience, but I get the idea "real" writers know this kind of stuff. Next, we decided to make the villain get to my character right at the core of his soul. No pussy foot on that score. Knife to the heart!
Did this help? These revisions? Yes. Talking to a real writer helped me get my head on straight. It's a tough business, writing. I wonder if others have the same experience. Please advise. Thanks for interest.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: From the past
Date: 96-06-20 01:40:09 edt
From: XPhilya
Posted on: America Online
No longer lurking, I read the posts back to mine and want to thank you for your answers and all the great encouragement I see here.
Question: What is your "voice" and how do I find it.
Also, what kind of classes would you suggest I take for just a beginner? Should they be writing focused or English focused? What books have you read that you thought were exceptional for the beginner?
Really the friendliest and most helpful people here. Don't close this one down!! : )
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Getting Over.../DS Antique
Date: 96-06-20 09:24:31 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
Sounds like you did some essential things to the ms. (for a mystery). Have you tried getting an agent to represent your work to publishers. Today, many publishers rely heavily on agents to supply them material that they have already screened and found promising. There is a good course right here on line, "How to Approach and Agent or Publisher" taught by Blythe Camenson. Check it out (Keyword: Classes). It may be a help to you in marketing your ms.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re: From Past... XPhilya
Date: 96-06-20 09:32:51 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
There are a number of other published writers on this forum that may also like to comment on your questions. (Don't hold back folks.)
"Voice" is your distinctive sound, your own way of saying things. Your style of expression. (You are not trying to write like someone else, you are doing it your way.) It becomes recognizable as you write more and more. Readers will begin to recognize it too, and those who like it will look forward to your next book.
As for writing courses to take, check out those offered at your local schools and colleges. Also the ones offered here in AOL. Which courses, will depend on where you are at, right now. You would know that best. Keep writing.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re: From Past... XPhilya
Date: 96-06-20 10:18:47 edt
From: Dovekeeper
Posted on: America Online
It's good to build a personal library of books; Writer's Digest Book Club has a number of very helpful ones. To give you a few titles which I have enjoyed - Creating Characters, by Swain; Turning life into Fiction, by Robin Hemley, Fiction Writer's Workshop, by Novakovitch.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Getting Over the Hill
Date: 96-06-20 14:33:58 edt
From: FTLRSC
Posted on: America Online
Antique. I've published one novel and I can tell you that it's all a learning experience. After the novel was sold I rewrote it extensively twice. Friends who read the original manuscript barely recognize the book. I'm doing the same thing with my second.
Rachel
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Getting Over the Hill
Date: 96-06-20 20:00:11 edt
From: SMolthop
Posted on: America Online
Who is your "real writer". I'd be glad to take him/her to lunch. That kind of help usually costs hundreds of dollars (and then half the time it's a ripoff.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:From the past
Date: 96-06-20 20:04:18 edt
From: SMolthop
Posted on: America Online
From what I've read about it, you can't find your voice, it has to find you. You just have to practice, study, and write a whole lot, so you'll be ready for it. If you try to force it and get hung up on it, what you wind up with won't be your "real" voice anyway. (This is just what I've read. I haven't got a "voice" yet either, so I don't really know what I'm talking about).
Suz
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:From the past
Date: 96-06-20 20:31:35 edt
From: Its EC
Posted on: America Online
Hi folks -- I've been lurking, reading your messages and REALLY enjoying it all. I'm going to be 50 in September. I taught English (high school) for four years a looooong time ago. Since then I've been a secretary, at-home mom, office manager, and lately a blackjack dealer. The point is -- I've always wanted to write. My friends who've read my journals and grad school papers have all been supportive -- agressively so. But -- and there always is one -- I'm very good at sabotaging myself. The confidence thing -- the topic of a few therapy sessions.
I'm working on the character development of two main characters for my first not-to-be-put-down effort. It seems like a good place to start, along with short snippets outlining events or occurrences in the story's movement. I heard someone mention a mentor. How do I get one? I guess approaching 50 has made me take that GOOD look and ask if I'll ever get off the fence and do what I've always wanted -- write.
Reading you all has given me a push. I'll be checking in here from time to time. Or if any of you want, you can e-mail me. I'm always interested in a pen pal.
EC
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:From the past
Date: 96-06-20 23:41:17 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
Wow, EC, you must have a treasure trove of experiences and characters to write about (in the casino business). What a rich field to mine for plots.
Check the earlier screens in the messages forum for info on mentors.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:From the past
Date: 96-06-21 00:41:41 edt
From: SuzIng
Posted on: America Online
I have found The Art and Craft of Novel Writing by
Oakley Hall to be very helpful while I'm writing my first novel.
Any decent Writing Fiction class will give you basics of structure, plot, character etc.
The more you write the better you'll get.
Read Good Books.
SCI
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:From the past
Date: 96-06-21 17:04:38 edt
From: JeanneWrtr
Posted on: America Online
EC, have you thought about taking Lary Crews' Writing the Novel class? It's a good place to meet other writers of all ages and levels, and there's an advanced class if you want to continue learning. Also, I am the editor of the bi-monthly Newsletter (and the co-leader) of a group in the Writers Club called NovelAdvice. There are 700+ members, mostly alumni of Lary's classes (although that's not a pre-requisite). We also have bi-monthly meetings, and subgroups according to genre that meeting informally on an as need basis.
If you'd like the Newsletter, send me a private email and I'll add you to the list. That goes for anyone on this board.
I'm 58, and have a complete draft of my first novel after 5 years of work. I'm now beginning what I hope is the final rewrite before querying agents. So we're all in this together.
Jeanne Marie Childe
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:From the past
Date: 96-06-22 23:28:13 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
Jeane's got some good tips.
By the way, do you think most writers take the week end off, or is that the time when many get the opportunity to write? Let's hear from some of you. What is your preference?
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:From the past
Date: 96-06-23 13:52:31 edt
From: LLoniC125
Posted on: America Online
Older Beginning Writers? What a fantastic concept! Wish I'd found you before I went into overtime for the month.
Oh well---
I'm usually asleep when everyone's browsing the chat scene -- leave for work by 6:30 and try to get in my writing time between 3-5am -- so I haven't tried any chat venues yet. Would really enjoy meeting some new folks with similar interests (reading/writing esp. Mystery Genre, Jobcost Accounting, Homebuilder Industry, Business Management) even though I keep odd hours. Las Vegas is my home town so I can sometimes help with research if you have a plot or character passing through here.
I'm picking up double nickles this year (55 in Sep); I write two hours a day so I think of myself as a writer. I've been a beginner forever but that's part of the learning experience; one novel completed and awaiting a rewrite after a painfully insiteful review from Scott Meridith Agcy, second novel in process but suffering some problems I don't have a handle on yet. This hasn't been one of my better days but tomorrow will be better.
On good days I write a lot, on bad days I stare at the screen and wonder if I'm a closet Masochist, but there is NEVER a day when I don't write SOMETHING.
Thanks for reading my 'hello'. Looking forward to more of the good cheer and advice I've found in so many of your postings. LLoni
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éFiction Writing
Subj: LLoni/Rewrites
Date: 96-06-23 22:55:46 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
Lloni -- why don't you focus on the first novel? That is, do whatever rewrites are necessary to sell it. It's not uncommon to do 6 or 7 (or more) rewrites to make a piece salable. I know an author who says he rewrote one part of his book at least 20 times.
Incidentally, how did you like Scott Meredith's critique? Tell us, if you wish, how they operate.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:From the past
Date: 96-06-24 00:36:57 edt
From: BevKell
Posted on: America Online
Unless your spelling, punctuation, grammar are impeccable, you should start with these basics. So far as writing classes, I never took any, and I've had 31 books published. I did take, in college, a class in which we read good books and wrote some shorts pieces which the professor read and evaluated. Pretty helpful. My daughter, however, took a writing class at a community college and I think got more help than I did at the University, because it was a small class. Certainly an English class, reading great writers and discussing them is very helpful. I'm just not sure about people sitting around and discussing one another's work, because sometimes they're too polite to give rigorous criticism where needed. It's very important that writers not take criticism personally. Since I write for a living, when and editor says, "I don't believe a word of this," I take it to heart, and respect her for it, so a teacher can be more helpful than buddies in a class, I think. I find reading good clean prose is good...it soaks in.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:From the past
Date: 96-06-24 00:38:00 edt
From: BevKell
Posted on: America Online
And I'm happy that you're not letting age stop you. I'm so much wiser than I was when younger, that my work's better. I plan to write until my eyes give out.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:From the past
Date: 96-06-24 11:31:30 edt
From: FTLRSC
Posted on: America Online
ExeterNH - Re: writing on week-ends. Somewhere along the line I acquired this quirk that makes me feel guilty if I don't write every day. I'm beginning to think it's unhealthy though -- everyone deserve a day or two off.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re: New woman oldie!
Date: 96-06-24 16:43:37 edt
From: Shaucla
Posted on: America Online
Became too sick to work, so started writing at home. First book out called TEXAS GOLD. Published by Swan Publishing-he takes new writers sometimes. Market really tough. New book I'm working on is due out December - both fiction - first young adult and adult and second adult mainly. Would like to hear from fellow strugglers like me!!
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Afraid to finish
Date: 96-06-24 21:52:39 edt
From: TIAJA747
Posted on: America Online
ExerterNH: Took your advice. Started a story that is mostly in the voice of an eleven year old boy. Actually, it's partially about my childhood, my mean vicious grandmother and a few rotten aunts and uncles.
You said I should start with a short story. Short stories are hard for me. My characters keep getting into situations that takes more than a couple of pages (or chapters) for them to get out of.
Anyway, I kept batting away the tears while writing the first chapter. Not because of anything that actually happened to me but, because of the funeral scene I was writing. I'm not sure if that's good or not. Are we suppose to get emotional with our own writing? Or is that something only the reader does?
I try to write at least a paragraph when I come home from work. When the weekend comes, I'm at the computer for hours. Maybe I won't be afraid to finish this time.
Thanks for the good advice. It really helped!
edna
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Afraid to finish
Date: 96-06-24 22:41:29 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
TIAJA It's fine to get emotionally involved in your writing. Cry and laugh all you want in the first draft. If the scene is that powerful for you, it probably has the potential of turning-on a reader. When you get into the rewriting stages, you will have ample opportunity to step back and be objective about the technical aspects of the piece.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: FTLRSC
Date: 96-06-24 22:50:03 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
I agree, everyone does need a day off. I find I'm much more productive when I'm rested and enthusiastic. Sometimes it's best to put a piece aside and work on something else for a diversion. Let your frustration flush out, then go back to the piece with renewed vigor and fresh ideas.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:FTLRSC
Date: 96-06-25 12:08:51 edt
From: MWATERS
Posted on: America Online
Help! does anyone have the catalogue of tapes of authors reading their own works and talking about them? I've thrown mine away by mistake and need to order! answer by e-mail is fine. thanks. meg.
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:From the past
Date: 96-06-25 20:26:44 edt
From: SMolthop
Posted on: America Online
I only take a few long workdays off from writing -- maybe one day every other week. I do my best work on the weekends (which for me means Tuesday and Wednesday, since I work on "real" weekends).
Suz
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:From the past
Date: 96-06-25 20:29:58 edt
From: SMolthop
Posted on: America Online
Welcome LLoni:
I moved from Las Vegas last year. My first novel was a mystery with a Vegas blackjack dealer as amateur sleuth.
Suz
ê
éFiction Writing
Subj: Starting to Write
Date: 96-06-28 04:21:51 edt
From: PattysHere
Posted on: America Online
What a great message board! I'm truly inspired by those of you who are getting down to the business of writing after reaching the "age of wisdom."
I'm like many of you . . . . I've thought about writing for a long time, and even had a few false starts. Guess I was always afraid that, if anyone found out, they would think I was foolish for thinking that I could possibly write something good enough to be published. So I dropped it. But always along the way, I would find myself thinking of scenes or dialogues. At restaurants, I'd look at diners sitting at other tables and wonder what their relationship to each other was and, watching the expressions on their faces and their body language, imagined the conversations they were having. My mind would whirl with possibilities for stories. And there my ideas stayed. Over the years, I also read books and articles about writing techniques and the writing life. But that's as far as I ever got.
However, I've recently become unemployed, and, with plenty of time to think (and watch a lot of daytime TV), I was suddenly struck with what I believe is a great idea for a novel. I sat down at my computer and started writing a basic plot. As I did, characters began to pop into my head, so I opened a new document called "Characters" and found myself writing brief sketches about the people in my novel. As I mulled over the story, scenes began occurring to me. Another new document was born . . . . "Scenes." I just wrote each scene as it occurred to me. For the most part, they were in sequence. But if an idea for a scene popped into my head, I wrote it down while the thought was s
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Starting to Write
Date: 96-06-28 12:03:53 edt
From: FTLRSC
Posted on: America Online
Patti-
Kudos to you on getting going with your writing -- your process sounds perfect. I, too, was pushed into finishing my novel as a result of unemployment. And, for me, the best way to begin a novel project is to write pages and pages about my characters. Even though I never use most of the stuff, it brings them to life for me so I know how they'll behave in the situations in which I place them. Good luck to you. Rachel
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Starting to Write
Date: 96-06-28 22:01:05 edt
From: PattysHere
Posted on: America Online
Hi Rachel!
I understand what you mean about writing pages and pages about your characters even though you may not use most of it. I've also done the same thing with scenes. I've decided not to stop myself if I'm on a roll. If my creative juices are flowing, who am I to stop them??!! I guess that, in the end, I feel that it's better to have too much rather than too little. I believe it's much easier to cut and "thin out" a scene than to try to pad it with superfluous garbage.
Thanks for your encouragement, Rachel. And keep writing!!!! :)
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Starting to Write
Date: 96-06-29 00:24:24 edt
From: ExeterNH
Posted on: America Online
Patty - it seems like you've been very thorough in laying the ground work for your novel. Now, get going and start writing the first draft. Good luck (and stay tuned).
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Starting to Write
Date: 96-06-29 18:26:11 edt
From: JeanneWrtr
Posted on: America Online
If any of you are interested, I edit a bi-monthly Newsletter for a group called NovelAdvice, comprised mostly of alumni of Lary Crews' Writing the Novel Course (which I heartily recommend if you want something to get you started). But we have many other folks on the mailing list, as well, so if you'd like to receive the Newsletter, simply email me with the words Subscribe NovelAdvice.
Jeanne Marie Childe
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Lurking
Date: 96-06-30 13:54:59 edt
From: LLoniC125
Posted on: America Online
XPhila -- lurking through some old postings and spotted your reference to fear of wasting time (afraid your work wouldn't be good enough) -- try to keep in mind that even our worst work is not wasting time if we learn something from it.
Stay in touch -- we're all climbing the same mountain in one fashion or another.
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Rewrites & Agents
Date: 96-06-30 14:29:10 edt
From: LLoniC125
Posted on: America Online
ExeterNH -- I will definitely rewrite that 1st novel *again* but feel need to finish at least 1st draft of the piece started while waiting for that answer. The rewrite will take some hard planning if I'm going to address the problems outlined by S.Meredith Agcy -- namely that a beginning writer CANNOT succeed with a multiple p.o.v. The only uplifting news I got was from another reader who thought my story would make a great screenplay (and would make appropriate use of the multiple p.o.v). Don't know if I'd rather change that far or just knuckle down and do what S.M. suggested, i.e. write the original out of existence and start over. It was an ouch.
As for submitting to the Agcy -- I expected more for my $400 than the 4 pages I got. It felt like form letter with all the blanks filled in, though I must admit it did refer to real problems in the ms. I think my gut-reaction is that I'm glad I did it that time but I won't do it again. Time and $$ would be better spent at community college.
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Rewrites & Agents
Date: 96-06-30 20:57:09 edt
From: GYFort
Posted on: America Online
I resent the holier than thou attitude of agents/publishers etc, as to what a "beginning writer cannot do." I told my first instructor at Writer's Digest School that my favorite writer was Milan Kundera. The reply would have burned the page, Oh, no dear you can't aspire to do what Kundera does, you have to start with Oh, see Spot. BS. Beginning writer, lifelong thinker, reader, etc. This jugmental crap is deaming, limiting and does not credit anyone who hasn't liked their boots wirth having a bit of anything. sure, all have to learn and gro, the limitation is insane.No, I'm not published, but I left Dick and Jane years ago. If we can read and comprehend , perhaps we're able to attempt a BIT more.
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Rewrites & Agents
Date: 96-06-30 20:58:10 edt
From: GYFort
Posted on: America Online
addendum--Sorry for the typos above, but I get so angry with judgmental limiters that I can't see straight to re-write--or read at such a point.
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éFiction Writing
Subj: Re:Rewrites & Agents
Date: 96-06-30 21:13:50 edt
From: MWATERS
Posted on: America Online
oh, but the scott meredith agency is infamous. a real sleaze deal from what I've heard. underpaid grad students reading mountains of stuff, lots from prisons, etc.
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