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BlancheDubois
Which sounds like the perfect ending to me, Blanche.
posted by
johnmacnab
on January 4, 2006 at 5:32 AM
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John,
But in the end, you may be sane and happy. That works for me.
posted by
Blanche.
on January 3, 2006 at 6:50 PM
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Blanche
I'm the same, Blanche. What I write is what tickles my funny bone, and I couldn't possibly take on a commission - whether it was shaken or stirred. This is why I will never be a) famous b) rich.
posted by
johnmacnab
on January 3, 2006 at 6:48 PM
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John,
I can't write except to please myself and to satisfy the urge to work out my creative demons in print. I couldn't take an assignment on say, travel in Sri Lanka or whatever, reserach and submit an article. Ian Fleming obviously got it down, didn't he?
posted by
Blanche.
on January 3, 2006 at 4:10 PM
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Blanche
Over the years, Blanche, I have joined writing groups and when I was a teenager I took a mail-order course on how to write - which was a load of rubbish. I've been on two seperate week long, live in, courses on how to write for television. I've had a few things published and broadcast, but it seems I am good at writing to please me and only me. What I am not good at is selling my writing.
posted by
johnmacnab
on January 3, 2006 at 4:07 PM
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JohnMcNab,
Well, I don't have much to add to this conversation, except to say that I followed with the interest the travails of the professional/published writers in the group. I take it your position, JohnMcNab, is to hell with writing books, just write? Are there any you've found helpful? I tend towards that direction, but since I have yet to produce or publish a piece of work, I wonder if I'm right, if I don't need creative guidance. Anyway, I hope you break through this creative frustration and get the draft where you want it to be.
posted by
Blanche.
on January 3, 2006 at 1:30 PM
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word.smith
I did start afresh, word. I am now at the same number of words I was at three days ago - and probably the same words in a different composition. Never mind, I'm worrying AT it instead of worrying ABOUT it.
posted by
johnmacnab
on January 3, 2006 at 8:16 AM
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John,
I hope that inspiration strikes soon, and put and end to you fiddling and diddling with what you've written. Of couse, you could always start afresh.
posted by
word.smith
on January 3, 2006 at 6:48 AM
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littlemspickles
I hope I'm rewarded, too, littlemspickles. As for the patience? There's plenty of time in a Canadian winter.
posted by
johnmacnab
on January 3, 2006 at 4:56 AM
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oh I don't know where you get the patience from...
reworking and rewriting all sounds like a lot of hard work - I hope you are rewarded with your efforts!
posted by
littlemspickles
on January 3, 2006 at 2:29 AM
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MayB
I can see you, MayB, a natural writer whose skill and talent have been honed to such an extent that your fingers are a blur on the keyboard; your partner sitting with his head resting on his hands, re-reading sentence after sentence, worrying about each word. Happiness is writing, whichever way your soul dictates.
posted by
johnmacnab
on January 2, 2006 at 7:02 AM
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ginnie
Thanks for the compliment, ginnie, but I do hope you are aware that your writing is excellent. If you don't believe me, have a look at your position in the Blogit hall of fame. I think I will have to withstand the remainder of this week with visitors coming and going before I can sit down at the computer and pretend I am a writer. It's going to be the same as going back to the gym after the holidays - sheer hell.
posted by
johnmacnab
on January 2, 2006 at 6:56 AM
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It sounds familiar to me
well not to me but the chap who sits downstairs and works in the garage spends his life reworking chapters
posted by
Azur
on January 2, 2006 at 6:26 AM
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Taps
Yes Ma'm, Tapsel. After the holiday season is over I intend to get back down to writing. Keep on prodding me when I slow down, Taps.
posted by
johnmacnab
on January 2, 2006 at 6:17 AM
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Pat_B
LOL, Pat. You were quite right Pat, to put it to one side and start working. Anyway, the Marshal Plan was to help Europe get back on its feet, not help writers who were stuck - good name though. I've read a few of those books myself and I end up ignoring or forgetting them.
posted by
johnmacnab
on January 2, 2006 at 6:10 AM
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Nope Mac...don't know what yer talkin aboot!
haha...I left my 'book' about 6 weeks ago and I miss it so much it almost hurts. And that book MerryAnne mentioned is a great one....have it in my collection. There has been too much silly stuff going on with moving back to Canada/not moving/Christmas/Christmas guests that writing or coming up with ideas for writing have been pushed to the sidelines and I hate it!! I am now officially frightened to return to my book re-write...I'm afraid it's going to feel like waking up from a nice dream and realizing I can never live that dream. I think I'm somewhere where you are too...except yer stuff is good! One more day of company and then I have 9 free days before the next onslaught of family arrives. I think I'll take a swig of Scotch myself and get back at it then! ;)
posted by
ginnieb
on January 1, 2006 at 10:06 PM
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Come on you guys, johnmcnab, merryanne, Pat_B, get them there books out on the market. I want to read them.
posted by
TAPS.
on January 1, 2006 at 5:34 PM
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Hey, you guys...
I was looking for something to read a while ago and came across a crutch to help writers get things started and keep them going--called the "Marshall Plan Workbook: Writing Your Novel From Start to Finish." by Evan Marshall. It's published by Writers Digest Books www.writersdigest.com and is thorough enough, detailed enough and so tailored to the publishing trade, that it can't help but help you get at the work (or get back at it).
I found it particularly useful because after I'd read it for awhile, done some of the exercises, etc., I started thinking more about of how that format applied to my story. I'd find myself staring at the wall, thinking of my plot and characters, suddenly bored with Mr. Marshall, eventually so damn bored I just put his book back on the shelf and got to work. :)pat
posted by
Pat_B
on January 1, 2006 at 4:31 PM
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MerryAnne
I will try to take your advice, MerryAnne. Thanks.
posted by
johnmacnab
on January 1, 2006 at 1:48 PM
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Excellent John,
and yes you are getting there, but the trip isn't the same for everyone. Just try and enjoy the travel and don't dwell too much on the destination.
posted by
MerryAnne
on January 1, 2006 at 11:23 AM
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MerryAnne
Thank you MarryAnne, oh wonderful second drafter. I looked the book up on Amazon. The author's name is Anne Lammot and it sounds like a good book to have. In one of the reviews, it is mentioned that 'revision is one of the most important skills a writer must have.' Hey, that means I'm getting there.
posted by
johnmacnab
on January 1, 2006 at 11:21 AM
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John...
being well seasoned (we did open the bubbly last night) and having two first drafts under my belt my only advice is to move forward to the end and then go back and add the layers of humour and detail that you need to make the book yours. There is a writing book (the author's name is lost in my germ fog from the cold) it's called Bird by Bird. you may want to check it out.
posted by
MerryAnne
on January 1, 2006 at 10:58 AM
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Passionflower
Sorry, Passionflower, I have no advice that would help you start a 'new?' book. Wow! If you are starting a new one I take it you already know how. Highland Park is a single malt Scotch distilled in the Orkney Islands of Scotland, and is deeeelicious. Good luck with the book.
posted by
johnmacnab
on January 1, 2006 at 10:55 AM
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You mentioned Highland Park
Do you live in the Dallas area?
I'm having a hard time starting my new book too and it's a time - sensitive project so I have to get moving. No advice on what you can do about it.
posted by
Passionflower
on January 1, 2006 at 10:35 AM
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