A little of my stuff

  • This message board permanently closed on June 30th, 2020 at 4PM EDT and is no longer accepting new members.

Rrty

Well-Known Member
Jun 4, 2007
1,394
4,588
I blog. Well, I mean, I have blogged. Well, I mean, I have a blog but haven't done much with it these past few weeks.

In the unlikely event that anyone here goes to the blog, and in the unlikelier event that anyone here actually reads any of the postings there, and in the near-unfathomable event that someone here has read some of my real-life blatherings here (fictional blatherings are not allowed, and I understand and agree with the reason), they will see some crossover.

I've also written three novellas. I guess that's what I'd call them. They feel too long to be short stories. They're too short to be novels. They are not on the blog. I frankly don't know what to do with them.

The blog: Home Page - Grandpa-Tells-Stories

And thanks for this section that allows us to post this. I didn't want to do this for the longest time because it seemed rude to use Mr. King's hospitality for self-promotion. But given that this section's still going and people are still using it, I got over it.


Excellent blog. The writing is extremely professional and engaging.

Was the story about the howling dog true? I assume it was because it wasn't highlighted as fiction. If it is true, it is very thought-provoking. I believe you said once that you are either are an atheist or lean that way...does the event you describe make you think differently? There are probably some explanations for what happened, and a skeptic like The Amazing Randi might inquire as to whether you are certain the dog never acted that way before, but still, that is a compelling thing to ponder. I myself have my own strange experience, as everyone seems to have, which makes me wonder sometimes if that might prove one of two conclusions: strange experiences aren't so strange; or, there is something beyond what we see as reality.

How do you intend on proofreading your material? Will you have it professionally done?

I myself am a hobbyist writer and have self-published some items, but not much has happened. I don't have any advice, but I may have some thoughts. Do you have any connections, either through a lawyer or family member or whomever, who might be able to help you monetize your material? I'd also say that you should try some fiction markets on the web. When I write, I try to be as commercially-minded as possible, focusing on plot and concept. I also have tried flash-fiction sites that just want stories closer to 1000 words and under; I think shorter works have a better chance of being published. These days, though, I mostly just work on self-publishing as opposed to sending material out, although it is a very slow process for me.
 

Grandpa

Well-Known Member
Mar 2, 2014
9,724
53,642
Colorado
Excellent blog. The writing is extremely professional and engaging.

That is very kind. Thank you.

Was the story about the howling dog true? I assume it was because it wasn't highlighted as fiction. If it is true, it is very thought-provoking. I believe you said once that you are either are an atheist or lean that way...does the event you describe make you think differently? There are probably some explanations for what happened, and a skeptic like The Amazing Randi might inquire as to whether you are certain the dog never acted that way before, but still, that is a compelling thing to ponder. I myself have my own strange experience, as everyone seems to have, which makes me wonder sometimes if that might prove one of two conclusions: strange experiences aren't so strange; or, there is something beyond what we see as reality.

The story is absolutely true and still fresh in my mind about 35 years later. I haven't professed atheism or much of any other ism, except maybe confusionism, not to be confused with Confucianism. That experience just made me wonder, and I don't have an answer. But I think simple coincidence is as unlikely as the possibility that God spoke directly through a dog's howling.

How do you intend on proofreading your material? Will you have it professionally done?

I have Family and Friends for my more polished works. For my blog, I just pretty much do that myself, which makes me wince when I look back and see mistakes. Fortunately, I've got unlimited editing time for my own site.

I myself am a hobbyist writer and have self-published some items, but not much has happened. I don't have any advice, but I may have some thoughts. Do you have any connections, either through a lawyer or family member or whomever, who might be able to help you monetize your material? I'd also say that you should try some fiction markets on the web. When I write, I try to be as commercially-minded as possible, focusing on plot and concept. I also have tried flash-fiction sites that just want stories closer to 1000 words and under; I think shorter works have a better chance of being published. These days, though, I mostly just work on self-publishing as opposed to sending material out, although it is a very slow process for me.

I'm about to self-e-publish. I have three novellas and a collection of shorts ready to go, four separate volumes. When I do that, I'll make an announcement here, and since I'm publishing under my actual name, the secret will be out. Now, won't that be exciting.

Thank you again for your very kind words.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GNTLGNT and Neesy

Dana Jean

Dirty Pirate Hooker, The Return
Moderator
Apr 11, 2006
53,634
236,697
The High Seas
That is very kind. Thank you.



The story is absolutely true and still fresh in my mind about 35 years later. I haven't professed atheism or much of any other ism, except maybe confusionism, not to be confused with Confucianism. That experience just made me wonder, and I don't have an answer. But I think simple coincidence is as unlikely as the possibility that God spoke directly through a dog's howling.



I have Family and Friends for my more polished works. For my blog, I just pretty much do that myself, which makes me wince when I look back and see mistakes. Fortunately, I've got unlimited editing time for my own site.



I'm about to self-e-publish. I have three novellas and a collection of shorts ready to go, four separate volumes. When I do that, I'll make an announcement here, and since I'm publishing under my actual name, the secret will be out. Now, won't that be exciting.

Thank you again for your very kind words.
Very interested in your short stories.
 

Grandpa

Well-Known Member
Mar 2, 2014
9,724
53,642
Colorado
Really do enjoy all of these, Grandpa!

Thank you, Spidey!!

As an added bonus (okay, not really a bonus), if you have my writer Facebook page, I recently got a lot of birthday good wishes. The problem is, it wasn't my real birthday but one I'd made up (for my own reasons) for the writer alter ego. So I was compelled to explain it away on the Facebook page, who I really am (although most of my FB friends know), and why I've got the alter ego. To find the Facebook page, search for a jasper called Talus A. Story (cute, hey?).

Lots of us like our anonymity on forums, and I'm no different, particularly when on a new forum. But in this case for this lovely place, I'm losing my own desire to keep the secrecy going. I'm actually rather proud of the times and the friends here.
 

Spideyman

Uber Member
Jul 10, 2006
46,336
195,472
79
Just north of Duma Key
You will find the SKMB is like no other forum/cyber place. I've been here eons and it is a second home. I feel closer to some here than biological family. There is such respect and caring and even protection for others amongst the members. MsMod is the best of the best. One should always be careful in "cyberville". But this is a very special place.

I like to spend my quiet time, usually a Saturday afternoon, reading your material. You do have a way with words. Thank you so much for sharing.

Oh, I don't do FB- I'm a dinosaur with things like that and life keeps me busy with the critter. SKMB is my home away from home.
Please have a good weekend. Love and green lights.
 

Grandpa

Well-Known Member
Mar 2, 2014
9,724
53,642
Colorado
Buffets! Sorry bout the oysters, G'pa. That was some funny reading. Thank ya.

I still eat 'em. Just not from buffets. I should think the same rule applies for sushi.

And thank you. I like to write, obviously. But humor is hard to do. Now that I've tried some here and there ("Wolves at the Open House"), whenever I read Dave Barry and am laughing at it, I'm imagining a scowling, sneering man on the other side of the keyboard, struggling to grind it out.
 

Grandpa

Well-Known Member
Mar 2, 2014
9,724
53,642
Colorado
In my quest for publishing three novellas (one arguably a short novel) and a collection of short stories, all e-published, two of the covers are finished. More or less.

Chance Encounter working file final we think (Copy).jpg Out of Time working file copy (Copy).jpg

The artistic and model credits are in the front pages of the novellas, but yes, I did take the pictures.

Reactions and critiques are encouraged, keeping in mind that these will be as one sees them on the e-selection, which I admittedly have very limited (i.e., no) knowledge of.
 

FlakeNoir

Original Kiwi© SKMB®
Moderator
Apr 11, 2006
44,082
175,641
New Zealand
In my quest for publishing three novellas (one arguably a short novel) and a collection of short stories, all e-published, two of the covers are finished. More or less.

View attachment 13011 View attachment 13012

The artistic and model credits are in the front pages of the novellas, but yes, I did take the pictures.

Reactions and critiques are encouraged, keeping in mind that these will be as one sees them on the e-selection, which I admittedly have very limited (i.e., no) knowledge of.
They look really great, Grandpa!