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--