BS: So who here's a writer?

Subject: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 02:03 AM

Seems like this neighborhood is full of writers. What do you write? Songs? Novels? Short stories? Nonfiction? Poetry? Do you keep a journal? Several of the above? II'll bet a lot of 'catters would like to know about the wordsmiths in the group, outside of mudcat poss, of course.

Elmer

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

Songs, poetry, and some short stories. I don't even attempt to do it to make a living, just like to do it, that's all. When it comes to songs, I'm pretty good. The finest writers of prose I've seen here are Peter T. and Lonesome E.J. They're both good enough to be professionals as far as I'm concerned.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 02:56 AM

Songs, Poetry(mostly of the joke kind), short stories..Poetry and short stories published...songs entered in contests..had a second place last year. Also do it for fun not for profit.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 02:58 AM

Lyrics of one of my songs on the 'Dealing with negativity' thread

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Megan L
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 04:01 AM

poetry and i am starting to write short stories but only for my own fun. a couple of my war poems are on the rememberance threads

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 05:33 AM

I'm presuming you mean other than songs.... I have been known to pen a poem or two... all carefully and discretely hidden so the world need not know how terrible they are.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: kendall
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 07:34 AM

A few songs, one book with wide spread circulation. (Stories told in the kitchen) I hate that title!

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Janie
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 08:25 AM

I have been known to write an essay every now and again, used to write a column for the local weekly paper that focused on the farmers' market, and the few times I have written a letter to the editor, they have chosen to publish it as an op-ed piece.

Fiction: The Woman in the Holler, a work currently in progess above the line, is my first attempt at fiction.

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Rapparee
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 08:53 AM

I've been writing all sorts of things since I was about 4 years old.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Rapparee
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 08:56 AM

Well, there's this stuff that I wrote.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 08:57 AM

Well, you know, Mister Fudd, I am a writer of sorts. I have to laugh at the snobbery I hear in someone's voice when they divide writers into those who have been published and those who have not. Get thee behind me, you unpublished writer! Besides songwriting, which I do along with countless other Catters, I've written articles on music that have been included in folk news letters. (Published implies that you got paid, though.) The first thing I ever wrote that was published in a book was a poem about Halloween that I wrote in tenth grade which was chosen, along with one other student's poem for inclusion in an annual literary magazine in our high school. I wrote another poem, too. A couple of weeks ago. Talk about writer's block! I wrote it about my Mother's death:

   Love is not like a bicycle or a warm puppy
   It is not of the physical world
   Love may be expressed through words
   But words are not love
   Actions speak louder than words
   But words are not love
   Love is not limited by time or space
   Love is omnipresent
   God is love
   In loving, we touch divinity

   On Friday, October 13th, Mom died
   But her love did not die
   Neither did our love for her

   True love endures

I'm writing memoirs of my family. If I get it published, will I be a writer?

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 09:04 AM

Click on any of the links in THIS THREAD and it will give you a good idea of the creative writing that has been done right here at the Mudcat. The story threads are wonderful, as Janie's "The Woman in the Holler" demonstrates.

I used to write an op/ed colum which was carried in WY papers and the Liberal Opinion Week; I've got one book, "WindWords of Wyoming" in print which came of Thought for the Day threads, here at the Mudcat, instigated by PeterT. Various other short stories, poems, etc. This month I am taking part in the National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo working on a 50,000 word novel to be completed in one month. I an halfway through at just under 25,000 words.:->*phew!*

You can also read lyrics of songs written by Mudcatters at Aine's Songbook, also accessed through the QuickLinks. Midis are also accessed through there.

Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 09:10 AM

Wordmonger, I've been called. :~)

Have done lots of types of writing, not so much now.

Ad copy
Marketing plans and materials
Grants
Political materials
Resumes
Program manuals
Press releases
Newspaper features
Magazine articles
Copy-editing, fiction and memoir
Reports and briefings
Ghost-writing
Speeches
Fundraising materials
Song verses

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: GUEST,Rathingle
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 09:27 AM

http://unitedireland.tripod.com/id226.html

I wrote this song this year

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 09:33 AM

Good song, Thomas! Do you write stories, poetry, novels or other things?

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 09:48 AM

Elmer is a wonderful writer, by the way. My favorite book of his is 101 Wecipes for Fwickaseed Wabbit.

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: GUEST,Seiri Omaar
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 09:57 AM

Aspiring novelist. Since I was ten. I'm nineteen now. Someday the book will be finished.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 11:17 AM

I'm too busy writing for a living to do the kind of writing I'd like ot be doing. I'll get back to you later when I have a little time. . .

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Charmion
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 11:17 AM

I'm an editor by trade, and I rewrite for a living. My latest best-seller was the Departmental of National Defence Performance Report for fiscal 2005-2006, but I'll forgive all you furriners for not reading it. You Canadians, on the other hand, must hie yourselves down to the nearest bookstore and order a copy or I'll pout.

I also write the weekly historical feature in the Canadian Forces newspaper The Maple Leaf. It also appears in the Maple Leaf section of the Department of National Defence website here.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 11:34 AM

Geez! I completely forgot to mention that I was a columnist for the local newspaper for about a year. I did a once weekly column in the "Life" section. It was fun, because I could talk about literally anything I wanted to, and did. I also got paid for it. Not a lot, but I guess that puts me in the rarified ranks of professional writers.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Grab
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 11:46 AM

Almost exclusively songs. A couple of poems, but I know better than to read them in public! :-)

Graham.

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.

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: 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: 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: Amos
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 01:19 PM

I am, also.


A

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Elmer Fudd
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 02:32 AM

wefwesh

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 06:45 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 - 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: 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: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 07:44 PM

Gargoyle, without reference to quality or quantity, I am hired as a writer at a state institution, and have scribble away there for the last 10 years. Ten times my modest annual salary adds up to well over $10,000. I just wish I'd gotten this amount in one fell swoop. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 07:54 PM

Geez Janie......How hard could that have been?   Instructions for a better life for West Virginians?

I-77 North to Ohio
Rt.33 to Ohio

Lemmee guess.......You made a list of all bridges across the Ohio River? I really love West by gawd Virginia even though the state bird is a fly.......beautiful place.

Just jokin' Janie......Just jokin' (;<))

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: DougR
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 08:03 PM

I have written six screenplays. None have been produced.

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 08:09 PM

Any suggestions on how to push or not to push a screenplay DougR? I'm trying to generate interest in one of mine at the moment.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 08:09 PM

Wellgeez Doug I tried to tell you that bio-pic of yours wasn't going to sell. "Let's Boog-A-Loo Til We Drop;The Spiro Agnew Story" just isn't the kind of thing that Hollywood makes these days.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Janie
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 10:28 PM

Better watch it 'spaw, or I'll start telling Ohio jokes;>)

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 10:54 PM

You have it...or you...

don't

Most "wannabe" folk now go to the cheapest "Vanity Press."

NETWORK, Network, network...it IS who you know!!!!
Start small, put in 10 years as a freelance for magazines and build your portfolio/resume.

Pay your dues.

Be flexible and Willing to change your niche/genre.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 11:08 PM

Doug R.

The INDUSTRY is a very tough nut to crack.

Most successful writers have been local, active for decades.

The most successful one I know began as a child actor about age 12 (perhaps age 5) ....it took three positive money procuring scripts (age 40+) before he was permitted to direct.

Scripts are a dime a dozen. They sit like coffe-table-stacks in the dens of bored consultants.

Just like a folk-performer....you need to "hook" the audience in the first three chords.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 18 Nov 06 - 12:22 AM

Read "The Deal" by Peter Lefcourt. It begins with a screenplay about the life of British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. The script goes into re-write and morphs into a buddy movie called "Bill and Ben." (Bill is William Gladstone.) It all gets weirder from there. Lefcourt's day job is a screenwriter, so he ought to know.

Haven't laughed so hard in ages.

Elmer

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: BuckMulligan
Date: 18 Nov 06 - 02:28 PM

GUEST Gargoyle, why are you so hung up on the notion that "writer" must needs mean "writes for a living" - or even "published" for that matter? Is it the same for any activity, or only for "writer" IYO?

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Don Firth
Date: 18 Nov 06 - 02:29 PM

I've been known to string a few words together from time to time. My first semi-triumph was getting an honorable mention in a high school short story contest sponsored by the Atlantic Monthly (my story was written on stone tablets). I started out by majoring in English Lit and Creative Writing in college, until I fell in with questionable company, took up the guitar, and started singing folk songs. In the meantime, I made several attempts at writing science fiction, but it came to naught. Gotta actually finish what you start.

During the early 70s, while working for a radio station as an announcer and newscaster, I also got assigned to writing commercial copy. I spent a year writing and producing radio commercials (God forgive me!). In the mid to late 80s, I got a job as a technical writer, writing residential weatherization reports for the Bonneville Power Administration. Really gripping stuff!

Someplace about that time, I decided to write a history of the folk music scene in the Seattle area. Much of the country, e.g. New York, Boston, Berkeley, etc., didn't even know there was a folk music scene in Seattle, despite the size of the scene and the quality of many of the performers (it took me awhile, but I think I've figured out why nobody knew we were here). I soon discovered that a "history" was more of a task than I wanted to tackle (the scene was big enough that even I didn't know everything that was going on), so I decided to turn it into a "memoir" or a collection of reminiscences. So far, I've written in excess of 115,000 words, which is some pretty serious wordage, and I'm only up to the early 60s. It's going to take a bit of pruning and editing before I send it to a publisher. Everything I've written so far relates in one way or another, but the idea of reading a book about the adventures of an obscure balladeer in an obscure part of the country might be a bit intimidating if even the trade paperback edition of the book is about three inches thick. I'm hoping to get if finished in the coming year. No vanity press on this one. I already have a couple of possible publishers lined up.

Published writing so far includes an article in the "Last Chorus" section of "Sing Out!" Magazine and sixteen articles as guest writer for the "Musical Traditions" column of Victory Review.

I think that lifts me out of the "wannabe" category.

When I finish the book, I plan to turn my hand to a couple of other writing projects.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Donuel
Date: 18 Nov 06 - 02:48 PM

I write things that will never be read like program notes for concerts at the Lincoln Center or the 1,200 poems I entrusted to my website.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 18 Nov 06 - 03:15 PM

I once wrote to Father Christmas, but he didn't write back.

I got the 1953 Billy the Kid Annual anyway.

see, story with happy ending......

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Hawker
Date: 19 Nov 06 - 09:33 AM

Elmer Fudd, I know theres nothing wrong with getting paid for it, infact, that would be really nice, but I have just never gone down that road.....yet - it has always been a desire of mine to write AND illustrate a book, so you never know!
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 19 Nov 06 - 11:05 AM

Wow Al...I got the Eagle Annual in 1953....wish I'd kept it.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: GUEST,sorefingers
Date: 19 Nov 06 - 12:17 PM

"Writing itself is too damn hard."

This remains a folkie site and I don't think anybody comes here to find outstanding/talented writers.

No Johnson, no Celements and certainly no Shakespear wouldv'e wasted a line on such silliness as often fills the nonBS section. How long they might spend below the line is something I am afraid to comment on! It is afterall just BS.

Nonetheless, there are some surprises, and they themselves know who they are, but I am not going to ruin a good free read. Eventhough some characters have left the site years ago, there remain several who happened to be also great musicians as well. And great writers/musicians also tend to be great cooks! It gets more interesting as time goes on, because now both bad writers and bad musicians can also be entertaining in a sort of perverted way, and when the two combine, there lies a comedy. But they don't know it, and like the turk who's shirt-tail dangles behind his dress suit at a wedding, the audience is laughing AT not with him/her/them.

Such is fool's lot!

Over several years reading a particular member's postings, I wonder, do they realize that the same effort would have produced a fat book or two? Having gone down that road myself, yes and published decades ago but no longer in print TG, I often back off replying to some of the more offensive ( to me ) troll threads. I make no apology for the brutality of my offerings against neoNazis of anykind when/where they pop-up. and they and their sympatizers here know who they are! You ask for it, I will let you have it. Again it is not a musician's website where we host offensive dross of whatever kind, and we should have the right to expect appropriate standards be upheld. IOW If it's offensive policrap, it should be deleted immediately.

The wannabes here suffer from a fish in the dark complex, they don't know who's reading them and how much they are appreciated or hated, they simply assume that because what the write is correct prose it is good.

Sorry, but as Gargoyle proves, that ain't enough. You have to offer something else, even if Scrooge envies the nastiness of your spheel. And then as 'The Anal Annals' ( Harry Potter ) shows it doesn't have to good English either. You just need to be interesting, and as somebody already said, either you got it or you don't.

I always think about Hemmingway when this side of the subject comes up. Like Rollingpins he was not that great of a sentence writer, but his paragraphs are like jail cells, once in you cannot get out until the last word.

"Writing itself is too damn hard" sure if you make a chore of it!

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 19 Nov 06 - 12:39 PM

These posts are very inspiring and exciting. I stand in awe of the many ways people find to express themselves. Creativity is contagious.

Hey Don Firth, even radio ads can be amazing. Did you ever hear the ones on some of the freeform (or underground, or whatever you wanna call them) FM stations back in the day? They were fantastic! People used to call up the DJs to request the friggin' ADS!!!!

In my opinion, their isn't anything wrong with being a "wannabe" either. Sometimes, a person needs a little time and encouragement to hit his or her stride, or to find the story that they can't resist telling.

Elmer

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: GUEST,Pelrad
Date: 19 Nov 06 - 02:37 PM

I cover a town beat for a local weekly. http://www.neindependent.com/
I've passed the $10k mark several times over, since even the low-paying part-time newspaper wage is about $22k a year.

I freelance for local publications, and am putting together a couple of projects on local historic properties, environmental sustainability and social responsibility. They're just topics I'm interested in, and I'm waiting to see where the writing takes me before I look for a publishable outlet.

I got a couple of research papers published while I was an undergrad, years ago. The Honors Colloquium prof my freshman semester insisted on finding a journal for my paper. Whatever; it was 60 pages of philosobabble. I used to write poetry and several pieces were published, but I gave that up in college.

I used to write for fun, and have a couple of novellas lying around, but then came the children and the journalism job and they killed my energy level.

I also have written several children's books, which have not made it any further than our own bookshelves so far.

I love covering local news. It's a great job for nosy people.

Kim

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 19 Nov 06 - 03:54 PM

Hey!

Come to think of it, I published a book (let). "A Twig Key of Shrubs and Trees of New England." I can even prove it. I was given all the unsold copies by the Museum who published it. I don't know where the one is that they sold.

Jerry Knows Twigs

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 19 Nov 06 - 04:43 PM

The Eagle Annual......they obviously wanted you to grow up nicely.

I often wonder why they bought me a book, when I was four, about a psychotic killer who shot one his twenty one vitims through the windpipe. And they read me the story several times in case I missed the point.   I think it became a bedtime favourite.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: GUEST,sorefingers
Date: 19 Nov 06 - 05:13 PM

Hmmm now I know why I don't read newpapers any more!

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Bert
Date: 19 Nov 06 - 05:34 PM

...it doesn't have to good English... Eh!

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: BuckMulligan
Date: 19 Nov 06 - 06:18 PM

Yeah, Bert I think GUESTsorefingers was providing itself as an example of what it was saying. And a damn fine one too.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Nov 06 - 08:00 PM

I have been paid for all of my published writings.

With the internet, more and more writers are going directly to their market, giving the finger, so to speak, to publishers and becoming their own pubs. That is not vanity publishing.(Click HERE if you don't know the difference.) If one frequents writers' forums, one will quickly find out self-publishing is a growing and successful trend. CafePress acts as a printer and allows one to self-publish, with their own ISBN number, without any upfront costs, which pleases me to no end. By doing it that way, it also allows me to negotiate with distributors, cutting out the costs of a middleman. I am about to sign a contract with a major one out of Boulder, as a matter of fact.

Don, I used to do ad copy at a radio station, too and have done some tv ads as well as written fashion show poems for a local humane society. That was fun!

Hawker/Lucy, was it you asked if anyone was doing NaNoWriMo? I am, for the first time, and I love it. The discipline is great. I have over 35,000 words, so far. The rest seems like a piece of cake, now that I have reached that first goal.

Thanks for the kind words, folks.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: JennieG
Date: 19 Nov 06 - 08:00 PM

I will be published shortly, my first article for a quilt guild magazine. In the Skagway (Alaska) museum there is a wonderful quilt made of ducks' necks, tanned and sewn together; 100 years old and still wonderfully coloured. My article about this quilt is called "Duck for Cover" - couldn't resist it!

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 19 Nov 06 - 08:40 PM

One of My Uni English lecturers always said "Show me, don't tell me!"

The Virtual Fooles Troupe

Here be the place that doth Chronicle
the Antics of a Troupe of Fooles,
seeking Recognition, Patronage and Enlightenment
in a World set in time
somewhere between Medieval Times
and the pre-17th Century World.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: M.Ted
Date: 20 Nov 06 - 01:03 AM

If you want to be an important writer, say something important.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 20 Nov 06 - 02:51 AM

Or better still....write it!

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 20 Nov 06 - 03:08 AM

One hundred.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 20 Nov 06 - 08:30 AM

I've been known to write a few songs.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Nov 06 - 09:08 AM

Good to see you online, Mike! I hope you're feeling better--and keep on scribbling!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Nov 06 - 09:19 AM

Yes, of course I have been paid. I didn't see Garg's post about money, if that is where this $10,000 thing came from, but I went over THAT so early that I can't begin to think of what the total might be now, nor do I care.

Writing useful material of any sort is, firstly, its own reward because if you are a writer, you must write. The money is nice, too-- don't get me wrong-- but it isn't the money that tells you when you hit a bullseye. If you think it is-- I'm sorry for you, and you need to think again.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Crystal
Date: 20 Nov 06 - 10:11 AM

WHOOOO
GO KAT!!!!
I failed to do more than 300 words of my novel, but it rocks to hear about people who are doing well!
Keep it up!

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Donuel
Date: 20 Nov 06 - 10:22 PM

sorefingers, did you know that Hemmingway lost the only copy of an entire handwritten manuscript of his?

He did not live long after that.










ya wanna see it? :)

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 21 Nov 06 - 12:03 AM

So did T.E. Lawrence. He left the first copy of "The Seven Pillars of Wisdom' at a bus stop or something. Talk about ambivalence. There's something to be said for being able to back up your files.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Bert
Date: 21 Nov 06 - 01:06 AM

Well I say,

"If you can't do it again, you never could do it in the first place!"

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: GUEST,jaze
Date: 21 Nov 06 - 01:58 PM

Just a little memoir of my days in a Catholic orphanage. Hopefully humorous,but still a ways to go. Maybe someday....

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Don Firth
Date: 21 Nov 06 - 04:16 PM

Writing ad copy for a radio station was a real snort! But even more fun was producing them myself. I really dislike the "shouter" ads, and the station I was working for did quite a few of them. But I managed to get my licks in and, I think, struck a blow for our side.

The "Acme Floor Coverings" (slightly fictitious name) store usually opted for "shouters." I got assigned to write, produce, and voice an ad for them. When I read over the fact sheet for the big sale they had coming up, I noticed that, contrary to their usual somewhat cheesy merchandise, the carpets they were offering on the sale were pretty good quality stuff. Quality names in carpets. So I took an entirely different approach. I did a "prestige" ad. I emphasized the fine names of the manufacturers and the quality of the carpets. I gave it the smooth, mellow voice, with a nice piece of classical music underneath. "Good commercial," I thought. I was rather proud of it.

When it went on the air the following morning (I was board announcer at the time), Roger, the station manager, came storming into the control room and had a hissy-fit all over me. "That's not the kind of commercial Acme wants! They want high-energy spots! Whatever possessed you to do that kind of ad for them? And that music! It sounds like a goddam dirge!"

At which time the telephone rang. It was Acme Floor Coverings for Roger. Merna, the receptionist, patched it through to the control room. I figured, "I'm dead. Thank God I've updated my résumé, 'cuz it looks like I'm gonna need it."

Roger talked quietly with them for a few moments, then hung up.

"Well. . . ." he said, a bit flummoxed. "Sorry I blew up. They really liked the spot. They want you to do all their commercials from now on."

I cherish life's little triumphs!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Nov 06 - 04:36 PM

LOL, Don. I only voiced and produced my own out of desperation when my fav. dj left the station.

Jaze...I'd love to read MORE...what I have read has stuck with these few years. Keep at it, okay?

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Rowan
Date: 21 Nov 06 - 05:06 PM

Go Don!
Can't say I'm a fan of high energy ads. We've just finished a season of "The Chaser's War on everything" over here and the satire has been excellent. Particularly well shafted were the high energy ads, sometimes with parody, and sometimes with "road tests".

End of thread creep.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: GUEST,sorefingers
Date: 21 Nov 06 - 05:29 PM

The great critic of Internet English, Buck Mulligan, has spoken!

Take heed all you wannabes there's booor in the making, ....well not really but on the internet.

Bert ... barfff yole fart!

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 21 Nov 06 - 07:47 PM

Well, after pursuig professional writing on and off for some 45 years, I can only say it beats working.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Nov 06 - 08:05 PM

The dog ate one of my novels. Odd thing was, it came out better when he was done with it.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: black walnut
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 05:22 PM

poems
~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 07:09 PM

Some of just can't stop trying!

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 10:16 PM

Well Mr. Fudd, after packin five dozen replies, it appears that EVERYONE on the mudcat is a writer.

None have acknowledged using voice-recognition to post....and patting yourself on the back is awkward and may cause a strain.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 11:27 PM

O thou anonymous one,

Cheer up! It could be worse; Everyone here could be a tax collector.

So there's a creative bunch of verbal folks hanging around in this catbox. Not surprising on a chat forum, say what? And in this day and age when people complain that no one reads, writers are a species to be celebrated.

And sometimes, the only ones around to do the job are themselves.

So saith Fudd.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 05:20 AM

I work for a tax collector....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: John Hardly
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 09:29 AM

I was published in Ceramics Monthly (October 2006).

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a writer?
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 10:27 AM

One of my songs (Little Jim) was included in an anthology of stories about the great Alaskan earthquake of 1964. The book is titled "The Day Trees Bent To The Ground". I was the only author who was allowed to contribute a tale without actually experiencing the earthquake. All proceeds from the book go to the Anchorage Senior Center.

Mike