How Many Writers At This Party?

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Walter Oobleck

keeps coming back...or going, and going, and going
Mar 6, 2013
11,749
34,805
I think everyone on the board writes, has written, or would like to write. There have been some members...Gina Penn comes to mind...another, some guy in...Las Vegas I think...whose stories I've read...too, Bev Vincent...I think I've only read one story from him in one of the Shivers volumes. Harry Crews told me that someday I'd publish something and everything he was trying to teach me (us) would make sense. My only claim to fame is that Greyhound once paid me $32601 for a manuscript they lost...The White Elephant...500+ pages of dribble...although I wish I had that manuscript now...the version I do have stinks. They lost my seabag and I put in a claim for my flannel shirts and scivvy shorts...an insurance claim for? $200. There were some Christmas presents in the bag, too...a jar of pennies...which was probably inspiration for a petty thief to foul things. When I called to inquire, Des Moines, Iowa, they put me on the line w/the president of the company...no holds...no elevator music. Thank you, Mr. Oobleck, for calling...We have already put a stop on that check...it is your zip code by the way...could you write "void" on it and send it back?

Yeah, you bet...soon as I go test drive a BMW. How much time do I have until I have to pay you guys back? Now, be reasonable, Mr. Oobleck. I want my scivvy shorts! And that jar of pennies! Do you know how long I was saving those things!

I've another called A Bicycle, A Rock, A Plum...and maybe this winter I can polish it some more...and by "another" I mean something almost ready. I burned out three typewriters spinning my wheels...making noise trying to be somebody...and there's a pile of possibilities...time. Self-employed carpentry is not conducive to writing...nor is living in an area where you get 200+" of snow each winter...when one could write.

But it sounds like you have had some successes. Congratulations. All manner of things, hey? Scripts? What all else?
 

kingricefan

All-being, keeper of Space, Time & Dimension.
Jul 11, 2006
30,011
127,446
Spokane, WA
I think everyone on the board writes, has written, or would like to write. There have been some members...Gina Penn comes to mind...another, some guy in...Las Vegas I think...whose stories I've read...too, Bev Vincent...I think I've only read one story from him in one of the Shivers volumes. Harry Crews told me that someday I'd publish something and everything he was trying to teach me (us) would make sense. My only claim to fame is that Greyhound once paid me $32601 for a manuscript they lost...The White Elephant...500+ pages of dribble...although I wish I had that manuscript now...the version I do have stinks. They lost my seabag and I put in a claim for my flannel shirts and scivvy shorts...an insurance claim for? $200. There were some Christmas presents in the bag, too...a jar of pennies...which was probably inspiration for a petty thief to foul things. When I called to inquire, Des Moines, Iowa, they put me on the line w/the president of the company...no holds...no elevator music. Thank you, Mr. Oobleck, for calling...We have already put a stop on that check...it is your zip code by the way...could you write "void" on it and send it back?

Yeah, you bet...soon as I go test drive a BMW. How much time do I have until I have to pay you guys back? Now, be reasonable, Mr. Oobleck. I want my scivvy shorts! And that jar of pennies! Do you know how long I was saving those things!

I've another called A Bicycle, A Rock, A Plum...and maybe this winter I can polish it some more...and by "another" I mean something almost ready. I burned out three typewriters spinning my wheels...making noise trying to be somebody...and there's a pile of possibilities...time. Self-employed carpentry is not conducive to writing...nor is living in an area where you get 200+" of snow each winter...when one could write.

But it sounds like you have had some successes. Congratulations. All manner of things, hey? Scripts? What all else?
Walter, you need to turn that experience into a bestselling book! I was laughing the whole time I read the little bit you wrote! It could be a great story and you could turn around and sell it to Hollywood! $$$$$$$$$!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

VultureLvr45

Well-Known Member
Mar 15, 2012
2,650
13,707
Maryland
I write all of the time...grocery lists, chore lists, don't forget lists. Have started a few little short stories and have worked on some collaborations here. Used to write case histories but not in several years. I'm not a published writer (yet 8). Read and write every day though.
 
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Christine62

Well-Known Member
Nov 7, 2013
493
3,127
62
Oklahoma City
I've written a short story that was made into a short film. That was back in 07 I think. I've had a couple of short stories published and some poetry and essays. Of course, like Walter, I spent way too many years spinning my wheels trying to "be somebody" now that I am almost 51, I am quite content being no one in particular--but like Mr. King--writing seems to be a necessity. I don't really feel like me if I am not doing it. The goal now is to publish. I am working on a short story--I have a couple novels and screenplays that need working, and lots of essays. I'm trying to read more and write more--period. Maybe we could swap stuff.
 
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Walter Oobleck

keeps coming back...or going, and going, and going
Mar 6, 2013
11,749
34,805
I've written a short story that was made into a short film. That was back in 07 I think. I've had a couple of short stories published and some poetry and essays. Of course, like Walter, I spent way too many years spinning my wheels trying to "be somebody" now that I am almost 51, I am quite content being no one in particular--but like Mr. King--writing seems to be a necessity. I don't really feel like me if I am not doing it. The goal now is to publish. I am working on a short story--I have a couple novels and screenplays that need working, and lots of essays. I'm trying to read more and write more--period. Maybe we could swap stuff.

Yeah...that is easier w/today's technology...although someone'd probably have to walk me through it. I've had the one sitting by the computer under the stairwell for some time now...picked it up just now, been awhile...and although there's some scribbles in chapter one...that had been placed at the bottom of the pile of 498 pages...apparently I thought it was okay the last time I looked at it, or that whatever I'd penciled in/crossed out was enough...as chapter two was at the top of the pile. Had a friend here who read through an earlier version of this one...but not much in the way of feedback...same goes for the couple times others have read chapter one...one read chapter two as well. But looking at it just now chapter one could use a few more changes than I'd penciled in back whenever. This story is so old it has grown whiskers...began as a one-page assignment in a class taught by Padgett Powell...the class and Powell seemed to like it...(I think those Easter Island monoliths are works by sculptors less than Michelangelo and they pooled their resources at some point after chiseling for years...)...so yeah, maybe all I have is an embarrassing situation. That'd be a hoot, hey? Send someone something so bad, obviously bad, wrong even...and keep pestering them, all eager-like, wanting feedback...like those two dogs, the big bulldog and the little Jack Russell? Does the bulldog finally backhand the little dog? Doesn't phase the little dog one bit. Like the short guy in Lethal Weapon?
 

Christine62

Well-Known Member
Nov 7, 2013
493
3,127
62
Oklahoma City
The thing about feedback is that it is tough...and you have to be tough to get it. Legendary TV screenwriter Larry Brody told me something I never forgot: most people don't want feedback--they just want to be told they are good. And I have found that to be true. I don't know how many budding writers I have crushed by telling them what I really saw. Then all of a sudden I just don't know writing. Kinda like those singers on X Factor or American idol who have been pumped up by well meaning family and friends- only to be dumped on by the real professionals when they come out singing like Doritos in a blender.
But I do know--I've spent my adult learning what is good by reading the very best--like Mr. King and it blows me away and shrinks me down to size.

It is comforting to know that Mr. king writes and rewrites and then waits a month and rewrites again then sends it out to 8 count them 8 different readers for feedback--then more changes then to the editor. Do anyone of us work that hard? I know I don't. But generally I already know the problems with my writing but it would be nice to develop into a better writer through the input of others.
 

Christine62

Well-Known Member
Nov 7, 2013
493
3,127
62
Oklahoma City
We have a bunch of talented writers here. I sure which I could write. Not much of a feel for words. My story doesn't seem to hold my interest for long as i am writing.


You know I am currently have the same issue with the short story I am writing--there's no flow and that never happens to me--I always have flow. Must be the hormones--damn you, menopause!
 
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skimom2

Just moseyin' through...
Oct 9, 2013
15,683
92,168
USA
I edit for other authors and potential authors (through a writers' website), as well, and some do find it very difficult to accept constructive criticism. The thing is, no one, and I do mean NO ONE is capable of self-editing (no matter what all those B.S. websites trying to sell their 'system' try to tell those who want to write). Writers do have to have a certain amount of ego to undergo the process of publishing--otherwise fear would keep us all from showing anyone anything we've written--but it needs to be tempered with humility. The three most important things I've learned from the whole thing are 1) trust your editor (on most things); 3) be realistic about length in a novel. There are general guidelines out there. Some might break the mold and publish a 900 pg first novel... but they are exceptions. 3) Don't get too attached to any one scene, because the minute you do, you'll nearly always end up having to cut it (lol).