BS: So who here's a writer?

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Janie
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 07:19 PM

I spent several years as a policy specialist for the Dept. of Human Services in West Virginia, writing policy and procedural manuals and memoranda, but I never really thought of that as 'writing'. I thought of it as 'communication.' It was very careful, dry, detailed communication, with words and sentence structure chosen to attempt to eliminate any nuance, to preclude more than the one, intended interpretation. Writing papers in graduate school was very similar.

It kinda takes the fun out of it. I probably should edit much more carefully before I submit a post on the Mudcat, but I think it is good practice for me not to.

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Lox
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 07:00 PM

And Rowan, how I try
Some times, the work's attempt-tation
I do gain so.


lox

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Rowan
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 06:45 PM

And, lox, so do I.
Many times, the attempt works
and I try again.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Lox
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 06:27 PM

Sometimes, when I write
what I'm feeling is worthwhile,
I think to try it.

lox

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Rowan
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 06:20 PM

Sometimes, when I feel
what I'm thinking is worthwhile,
I try to write it.

Cheer, Rowan

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 05:57 PM

Nothing wrong with getting paid for it. There's a book edited by Peter Lefcourt called, "The First Time I Got Paid For It," containing essays by contemporary writers about the first time they received moolah for their work.

Elmer

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Hawker
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 05:48 PM

Songs and poetry mainly, you can see some of them on PoemHunter.com if you search for author Lucy Burrow - all for enjoyment, when stirred to write usually! Not for financial gain.
Cheers Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: autolycus
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 05:04 PM

Some book reviews, compiled a book to commission, Prayers for the Future of Mankind (1975), the occasional poem, some pieces for a local little magazine (which I loved doing - knowing they were going to be published was a massive boost), started a book,working title 20th Century Classical Music for People who like Tunes, it'll include jokes.

Since writing has been defined as the art of putting one's bottom on a chair and keeping it there, I don't think I quite qualify. Yet.

And I'm truly grateful for Mudcat for providing these oppotunities to try things out, find a voice, be silly, provide a platform. Thanks.

I'll take this thread as encouragement.

It's also wonderful how many here do write.




    Ivor

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: M.Ted
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 04:47 PM

As per Gargoyle's comment--I was paid to write for many years, and the stuff I wrote was read, appreciated, and used by millions of people. Instruction manuals, ads, articles, ad naseum,to borrow a phrase. Most of the people who write for a living(and there are many, many, many of us) write for informational rather than aesthetic reasons. And since writing comes first, the number of readers, if any, is a circumstance, after the fact.

Even still, everyone who posts here is a writer, of necessity--and, if circulation is a criteria, folks like Katlaughing and John in Kansas, who have posted here steadily for years, have garnered a readership that most "published" authors would envy--

So you lose again, Gargoyle--and still, your venomous words have made you one of the most famous writers here--

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 03:49 PM

Gargoyle, perhaps at the heart of your observation is whether or not people are in a position to define themselves as writers. You have certainly offered a prevalent opinion in popular culture of what gives someone the right to say that their artistic expressions have merit, let alone even exist as such.

In my opinion, a person is a writer because he or she writes. Furthermore, in my opinion, the "wannabes," as you call them, are the people who show up at writer's conferences, classes, seminars and coffee houses to think and talk about writing because it makes them feel like a writer. Or perhaps they are hoping some magic will rub off on them and profound word constructions and inspired stories will magically burst forth on their computer screens and notepads. Writing itself is too damn hard. God bless them.

If the marketplace is the judge of who gets to be called a writer, well, O.J. Simpson's new book about how he "might" have committed the murders is approaching best-sellerdom. "The Bridges of Madison County" was a runaway multi-million seller. The best-seller lists are lousy with such examples, ad nauseum.

In her lifetime, ten poems by Emily Dickinson were published. She belongs to an awfully large club.

In a phrase that seems to irritate many literati on another thread, go figure.

I'm very aware that all the above is a big fat cliche, by the way. Us wannabes never tire of venting it.

Elmer

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Bert
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 01:32 PM

I hope you're not TOO reformed Dick?

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 12:08 PM

I guess I'm a reformed writer (magazine and books) and editor. And yes, I've topped 10K in both circulation and dollars.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Crystal
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 10:41 AM

So anyone doing NaNoWiMo? I was, but now I'm not *sigh*

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Gervase
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 09:06 AM

Used to be, but enjoying myself doing other things now (although I may go back to it if the payment:effort ratio looks like picking up).

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Bert
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 12:08 AM

Garg ol' buddy, you're just a spoil sport. Of course we're all Wanna-Be's that's why we're here (you too) - (Especially you).

And to paraphrase SRS, what has 10,000 got to do with quality?

Have you followed kat's links? (I know you love her as much as we all do)

AND - have you read her book? It's great, I loved it.

I've written a few songs and a couple of stories, but 10,000 people haven't bought them (YET - BUGGER) Despite the fact that I'm an internationally famous singer (Due to Mudcat Radio).

AND SQUEAKS you're a bloody liar, I've never read ANYTHING of yours that is "Terrible"

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 11:55 PM

10,000 what? Dollars or copies?

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 11:44 PM

You certainly have collected a long string of Wanna-Be's

Ask for writers who have sold 10,000 or more...it is small pickings...but you have eliminated your thread.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

always take the the advance

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Amergin
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 11:02 PM

I've been known to write a word or two...

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 10:46 PM

Myself and 4 other Irish performers have a book coming out early next year. It's compilation of short stories about our adventures (and misadventures) in performing over the last 35 years or so.
So I guess that makes me one fifth of a writer.

Seamus

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Chip2447
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 10:32 PM

Short stories, poetry, lyrics, limmericks, got a couple of huge novels started, (most of the time I write just to write and see what comes out), had several vigettes published on a now defunct online net work game...MUDs. Been published several times in the brick and motar pen and pencil gaming communiity, scenarios, rules additions, and variants. Several years ago I was on the design team of a large and very detailed Roleplaying Game. We actually got nominated for best new RPG that year at GENCON. Occassionly I'll throw in an line or to in the Mudcatfiction threads.

Chip2447

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 09:29 PM

It's rumored that it might have been one of our 'catters who got the only A+ on the assignment to write as short a short story as possible, including Religion, Medicine, and Mystery as plot lines.

The story that got the good grade was:




"MY GOD, I'M PREGNANT. I WONDER WHOSE IT IS."




John

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: M.Ted
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 08:55 PM

We knew there was something special about you, John, but didn't quite know what it was. It explains a lot.

As for myself, I wrote trash paperbacks, folk music reviews(for a fairly well known rock magazine) and ended up writing advertising and public relations stuff. Say what you want, it put bread on the table--lately, I have been writing educational plays for kids--

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 03:21 PM

Although I'm sure nobody here would have suspected it, I made my living for many years writing hardware specifications and test requirements documents.

I do recall one classic venture into "pure fiction" many years ago when the "Macnamara Administration" issued the order that every military base must show "cost savings" of ten percent of their budget. My essay on "how we might have done it" compared to "how we did it" got Yuma Proving Ground's Environmental Testing Detachment credit for a 1.2 million dollar "savings" on one test that actually cost about $16,000 - done the same way they'd been doing it for the past 20 years.

John

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Kaleea
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 02:55 PM

I like to write. Tunes, lyrics, songs, stuff for ensembles of all kinds. Method books & solos/duets/trios/etc. for various Musical instruments-usually instruments one does not see in an orchestra at the average concert venue. ( . . . a mountain whut? Ardoharp? whutinth'hellizatthang?! et. al.)

I like writing stories more than most other literature. And stories for kids most of all. My oldest nephew who's 35 now(?!!?), told me just the other day that "while the other stuff is really good, the alleged "kid's" stuff is more real. More witty & colorful. I think you really put your heart into it the best!"
Wow. I was moved. (emotionally, not geographically)

I sometimes like-and sometimes am angered-to write letters to personages at companies & in political offices when their products &/or services are lousy. I once wrote a letter to Sprint which resulted in a credit of over $5,000 for my employer's long distance.
That was wickedly fun, especially after I had been arguing with them over the phone for many weeks.

It's fun to write. And difficult. Sometimes painful. A journal certainly is often all of the above. Ditto to read one. I've been writing a journal for a few years. I claim that it's for my nieces & nephews to read someday, but it is likely that I write it for medicinal purposes.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: frogprince
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 02:37 PM

Just the odd (perhaps too odd)unpublished song : )
                      Dean

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: greg stephens
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 11:57 AM

Professionally: large numbers of songs for theatre shows. Talks on folk-related topics for BBC radio.
Unprofessionally: long growing-up type novel in box in spare bedroom. Best place for it.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: GUEST,Peter Kennedy
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 11:32 AM

Little Hawk

Marketed = people paid me to do it.

PK

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Crystal
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 10:19 AM

I write fan fiction (mostly Thunderbirds with a bit of Harry Potter for good measure). Everything I do is up in the Pit of Voles (link goes to my profile!).

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Rapparee
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 08:35 AM

Yesterday we started a quarterly newsletter for the public at work. First issue will be out in time for Christmas, we hope.

I've also purchased journals for the five employees with the most seniority and told them to fill them with reminisences and memories of the Library, both the good and the bad. Since the most senior has over 35 years there I want these memories saved! And the five (all supervisors) are now planning to lunch together, etc. to help stir up their memories. "Those who have no past have no future."

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: GUEST,Penguin Egg
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 06:51 AM

I have had about a dozen stories published... and, it has to be said, many more unpublished. About five of them appeared in Forum, which were adult stories, the rest appeared in literary magazines only read by other writers. My story, The Mystery of Jack the Ripper Revealed, appeard in a book called The First Saffron Short Story Collection, and then was republished in another book, Spirit of Darkness. Getting published is a real thrill. It shows you can do it, that someone other than yourself likes your writing. I once started writing a novel, but it was shit, I got disheartened and then gave up. Once I have got my new flat into shape, I am going to make another attempt.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 02:32 AM

wefwesh

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Bobert
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 08:30 PM

Well, I've written poetry and songs going back, ahhhhhh, none of yer business...

I also write stories, some of which I have shared here in Mudville... I have 'bout 100 of them at present in a file an' if I ever get the time, I'll go thru 'um and see if there is a book in 'um...

As fir Honey Do lists that Michelle writes, I'm usuallly on the wrong end ot them... No, make that always on the wrong end of 'um...

...but that's why I play the blues...

Bobert (writer and... "Honey"...)

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 08:22 PM

I keep a journal, write poems, an occassional song, children's stories and plays. My husband tells me I write great Honey Do Lists. ;)

He is also a writer. He has authored a number of papers in scientific journals and co-authored even more. One of them (first author) landed in a very high ranking chemistry journal. He writes the sweetest love letters too....

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Amos
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 06:26 PM

Spaw,

I think you are an excellent writer.


Stop fuckin' around, huh?


A

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 06:07 PM

Rapaire, we could swap boring reports. I have lots of newsletters and annual reports that I've had a hand in. It pays the bills but it doesn't feed the soul.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 05:34 PM

George P....love your songs. Great at Gainsborough Folk Festival.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Gulliver
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 03:14 PM

I used to be a technical writer, software, which bored me silly. I started writing Sherlock Holmes stories a couple of years ago and when I get a bit more time (sometime soon) hope to develop this interest. I'd like to write novel-length thrillers set in Victorian times.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 03:10 PM

Just songs and the odd poem. Not enough stamina for writing prose in any quantity...

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 03:06 PM

Well Elmer, I ain't no writer but I am a sort of storyteller. I just say what happened and write it down and all and then send it to Reader's Digest. They don't publish nothin' I send 'em but I guess they send them on to some other place 'cause some are over at Tweed's Blues. You can read about how I met some good ol' boys who fell through the cracks in the American Dream and all about a cookout they had and some other stuff. Like I said, it ain't writin'.....just sort of chroniclin' the facts.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 03:05 PM

Jerry the distinction should never be between published and unpublished as you point out. The vanity press has a lot to answer for. None good.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 03:02 PM

Elmer, have you tried the link, again? I didn't have it right when I postd it, but have since fixed it. Please let me know if you still cannot open it and I'll see what I can do.

Buck...really like the poem "Suppose, suppose." Thanks for the link!

You, too, Fred, already found a couple of your books!

Anyone who is interested in my book can google my name, Kat LaFrance, for more info.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 02:29 PM

"marketed as environmental policy"? Please explain.


Elmer, I don't think I can provide a link to those columns. They were a few years back now.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Gern
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 02:26 PM

I've got four books published under my name, Fred Hill, and two I ghost-wrote for others. One published poem, but no songs. Although some of my writing projects have been music history (search my name at Amazon or Google) I oddly have never felt inspired to write a song. More to the truth, I've never written a song that felt inspired.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: GUEST,Peter Kennedy
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 01:56 PM

I used to write romantic fiction professionally (it was marketed as environmental policy).


Despite massive demand I gave it up as there was only really one plotline (you're all gonna die.....unless..!!)

So now I play music instead. It's more honest.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: GUEST,pattyClink
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 01:53 PM

lots of scripts, occasional poems and songs

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Amos
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 01:19 PM

I am, also.


A

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Rapparee
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 01:06 PM

I also write service level reports, annual reports, spreadsheets, letters, monthly reports, and a lot of stuff like that.

Let me know if you're interested and I'll send you a copy of the most boring.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 12:56 PM

I write songs, poems, short stories, and the occasional true-life adventure story. The vast majority of what I write is intended to be humorous. This post is an exception. It's okay if you don't laugh.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 12:53 PM

This is so cool! I have enjoyed what I have had a chance to read from the links so far--Rapaire's "stuff," mostly. I look forward to reading the rest of the links at the end of the work day.

Little Hawk, got links?

Katlaughing, for some reason your blue clicky labelled "this thread" won't open, at least on my computer.

Elmer

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: BuckMulligan
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 12:19 PM

Songs, poems, short fiction, essays and general blather, as well as way too much technical and administrative bumph.

Some out of date stuff here.