Hello WDC. Hope all's well. Still working on the theatre endeavour, so sorry we haven't seen that much of each other as of late. Keep your head up and pencil/fingers down (and out of your nose!) and *create* until next we speak....
 

Think I am going to take a hiatus from WDC for a little bit. By that, I mean I won't be checking in several times a day...lol I mean, I WILL come back...I PAID for it and I am too cheap to waste it and too broke to renew....lol
I think I need to get some perspective and I just get too caught up in ALL the things there are to do and see here. I don't know whether to curse StoryMistress or congratulate her on WDC!
I fleshed out a majority of a stage play the other day, and although live theatre is SIGNIFICANTLY different than my normally favoured medium, I would like to see it through. And all these bloody people on here....with all their great ideas....make me second guess my own! And I have too much integrity to follow through with something TOO similar to someone else's work.
So, until next I see the lot of ya...I leave you with the words of an author I met recently (who has his new book coming out this or next month....have to confirm)...

Just write! And when you start, FINISH THE [BLOODY]* THING!

* Suitable substitute for the 'F'-bomb in this context....:)
 

I think that writing can be likened to being a musician. Musicians start/join bands and play whatever gigs they can until they come up with the one "hit" that gets them noticed. Such is the way of the writer on their quest to become "an author".
When asked about their "style", many musicians will non-committally answer something about rock, metal, pop, 80's, folk, country, and so on...but how many famous musicians took off on a quest to conquer a genre, only to end up being famous for another?
I enjoy horror and dark fiction. Part of it has to do with my upbringing, part of it is probably genetic (you'd have to meet the family). I have always aspired to become a well-known author in my favourite genre. What are the chances of me ever becoming "famous" (infamous)? Now, could those odds improve by trying out other genres? Genres in which I feel less comfortable and have read the least? They say to "write what you know".
It just makes little sense to me, but maybe it is that way by Divine design.
I would like to get others' opinions on this.
I've met and talked to some VERY well-known authors in genres I enjoy. They seem like "normal", everyday people that I would probably get on well with if I met them at a pub or while queued up for a venti vanilla latte.
These are the thoughts that keep me up at night.
 

Just checking in. I'm still working on the stage play front. I think it would be awesome, and working with a theatre and being friends with a director, I think if I write a worthy one, I could see it "tested" on stage.
I can't remember if I journaled my "transaction" with the play I *wanted* to do or not, so for posterity sake, I'll do it now.

One of my favourite authors had a huge cult-classic book (first of a series) several years back. I loved this book and it impacted my writing style and became a benchmark for me. I asked him for his take on my idea of making it into a stage play. He told me it was no dice because he had sold the rights to "another entity" (who was supposed to have been making it into a movie). So, not being the type to drop it, I talked to the head of the theatre department of that "entity" and pitched my idea. They told me that I could not, under any circumstances, do it. Even though they have been sitting on it for years! That kind of pisses me off! Yeah they spent a lot of money for the rights, but they've done NOTHING with it! I primarily wanted to do the play as a tribute to the author! "Based" on the series and not adapting it too! This is where "art" breaks down....when it meets "business" on the street. Even if it just wanted to share and enjoy a Venti Vanilla Latte, it gets shot down.
So I think that avenue is exhausted. But while I am rambling.....speaking of "avenue", I am anxiously awaiting seeing Avenue Q! It's on Broadway now so there will be no video anytime soon (and I haven't been back to NYC in a long time so I doubt I'll be able to see it live anytime soon).
*sigh*
I guess I'll go back to brainstorming mode....
 

I had a conversation with an author (prominent, so shall remain nameless) this week.He has been such an influence on my contemporary literary tastes. Of his several dozen published works, I have one favourite in particular and I was able to briefly discuss it with him and it just made my day/week/year. :)
Not since my LAST author encounter have I felt so...so....inspired. Now it's just a matter of actually DOING something about it!

On a side note, I have been somewhat involved in community theatre for a little while and now am taking on a bigger chunk when our group moved to a different (and historic) theatre this month. I'd like to find out how many people on here live in the area of the theatre and encourage them to come by (even if it's not a show I'm working with) and support the theatre arts! I am seriously considering toying with a stage play. Which leads me back to why I talked with the above mentioned author. I wanted to write a stage play based on my fave book of his. (Turns out it's not possible due to "rights issues")

Aside from working with community theatre, I think myinterest was spurred by two main influences....Avenue Q which is currently playing on Broadway, and, of all things, the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall...writing leads you down some wierd paths, eh?

That's it for today. Rambling complete. Back to seeking "a hook" for my story ideas!
 

I was diggin around the house last night and found some poems I had written. My port is fairly empty so I put them up. Instanty, I started getting reviews! They were all fairly positive....which shocked me...

You see, I wrote these poems 24 years ago. I was in a BAD place and to be honest, was probably drunk or stoned beyond self-recognition. (long story)

I'd like to thank those who took the time to read them and thank anyone in advance who reads them looking forward! And also offer my apologies..Y'know that John Lennon hated the sound of his own voice? So did Curt Cobain. I can't compare to their talents, but share their distaste for my own works. So, in summary, it means a lot to hear someone who says something genuinely kind about something I wrote. :)

I don't care much for poetry anymore so these will probably be the last ones I ever write...plus, I pray I am never at that point again in my life...

Thanks again...
 

I very much enjoy reviewing. I do it is often as I can. If anyone ever needs one, just let me know...
I just have one little sticking point...what do you do when someone asks you to practically shred their work and point out every issue....and you can't really find any?! Happened to me today. I offer praise for what I see as good, constructive criticism for what I think may need a second look. But this last review, I was dumb-founded. Mechanically, grammatically, it was good! Made ME feel bad for not being able to help! Dammit!
 

putting to paper, lacking.

Nobody can do it but me, yet I get so complacent with churning out ideas and rolling them around in my large, empty cranium.

I'd give up...throw my hands up at the futility of it all....if that were an option. I am being tormented from within...the humanity....
 

Well, this year started out....well....."different". I got trapped by the Lake Effect in NY/PA/OH immediately following the New Year while travelling home from The Great White North. Don't get me wrong, we had a fun time and made memories out of the situation, but since then, it has kind of fallen short of my expectations for a new year.
Maybe I am just feeling down since the "fresh start" has not been a fresh start for me....careerwise or writingwise...
Maybe with it being Friday, a few drinks while sitting by the fire...knowing I don't have to get up for work in the morning...will help my perspective. That and a LOT of cash would immediately turn things around...but I'll hafta settle for the former...
 

I'm back from my vacation in the frozen tundra. Got stuck in the Lake Effect...driving snow, 25 mph winds, icy roads...can't wait to go back!! lol
I took my notebook with me and in 2 weeks didn't crack it ONCE! Great start to the New Year as far as my writing, eh?
I did collect a lot of ideas, however. I am hoping to do something with them - whether start a new project or incorporate them into older ideas that I was having issues with.
It's just hard to get back into it after our "adventure". When asked what kind of job I would *like*, the only answer I have is "None. I want to stay home and write." But unless I find a 4 bedroom refrigerator box with 2 baths and cable hookups, I don't foresee that as an option anytime soon.
I dream of one day sitting on the shelf next to King, Lovecraft, Barker, and so many others...the disparity is overwhelming sometimes.
And totally off-subject, I read one of Clive's new books while I was away...I normally love his works, but this one actually gave me a sparkle of hope....lol Good thing I borrowed it and didn't buy it. I would have been PISSED.
And I'm back...it's not that I want to be RICH (like so many good authors end up). Comfy is nice enough for me. I want my works to be enjoyed and respected. It just so happens that sometimes a signing deal comes with a hefty advance. Oh well!
I feel like I have just regurgitated on my keyboard and posted it...but after my break, I guess I just needed a release.
Oh, and note-to-self: even though I am not a big poetry person (I was once...a LOOOOONG time ago), I need to get off my butt and post some poetry I have. It was published in a free periodical way back when. I just want to see what kind of comments it gets NOW....lol I'm such a sucker for setting myself up....

** jibberish ends **
 

Well, today is my last day at work for two weeks. I am supposed to go on a family trip up north and we are supposed to be driving it (about 3500 mi. round trip) so I should have plenty of time to brainstorm when it's not my turn to drive, or I'm sleeping, or car-sick from looking at a paper in a car that has been moving for over one full calendar day nonstop...
I won't be visiting WDC most likely until I get back but will work on keeping myself motivated and pressing forward with writing endeavors.
Besides, I was recently introduced and have quickly had my interest piqued in...


Play Writing?!

I am helping stage-manage at a community theatre for the past few months and have been exposed to live theatre for the first time and am truly interested in writing my own now. If anyone has experience or is just interested in the same, I hope they will send me a quick note so I will have someone to ask questions about it...outside of the directors and such that I am working with.

Merry Christmas to all! And to all, a good write!


 

I read some info from a published Sci-Fi writer about his experience in writing...everytime I get a seemingly promising idea, I have begun to measure things against teh yardstick he laid out. Turns out there was some invaluable info there! And now I am having a hell of a time trying to get past the first few criteria!
For instance: One of his cardinal criteria is to ask "What is my story *about*?"...If you can't answer that, you need to head back to the drawing board. Well, I come up with an idea and begin working out the storyline and realise that it not going to have a sense of *purpose*...NEXT!
Before you say it, I'll stop you right there...I put no complete stock in the direction given by anyone. My writing is MY writing and if it doesn't meet someones "expected criteria"...OH FRIGGIN WELL! Conversely, this guy makes a lot of sense in most of the tidbits he set forth. I actually unknowingly adhere to most of his tenets anyway...but when I am conscious of doing it, I think I scrap more than I am happy with...

Just my thoughts for today...take em for what they're worth...
 

I am flirting with a story idea. Trying to keep it fresh and from melding in with any recently published (or released on film) stories or characters.

There's my update.

I HATE the reminders! Every time I log in I have umpteen reminders to update my blog! I know there is an option to change it but the reason I don't is two-fold...1) it is a constant burr under the saddle to just DO IT, and 2) It gives me another thing to bitch about on days like today when I am just itching for provocation...

Now back to storyline thinking....
 

I feel another story budding...need to make time to jot it down. That seems to be part of my downfall though. I write it down and the more I look at it, the more disappointed I am with it. Too over-the-top, not realistic enough, not what I was going for, etc.
I wonder how other people do it. I read an article by a Sci-Fi author who said he writes down EVERYTHING and goes back to peruse it and build on different tidbits.
Another author said, talk to noone about it and write NOTHING down...if you let any of it out, it's gone. It should only be released onto the paper when you are writing it. He has a point....to a degree. But I have a BAAAAD memory so I need to write stuff down. But when I write it down, it seems to disintegrate before my eyes. But I need to write it down so my critical thinking can plan things out. But if too much planning goes into it, it's not as "creative".


Ugh. My life, the Catch 22.
 

I just saw the reults of the contest I entered. I read the entries by the winners.
Mine, of course, was not among them.
I don't think I will be entering any more contests on WDC.
Nothing against my fellow entrants or their works...congratulations to the winners!
My line of work warps your brain into a logical, machine-like thought process and, well, I can't help but over-analyze...
Congrats again to the winners!
At least I now have the experience...


 

Well, the bad news....still not much progress on NaNo...

The good news...I had an idea for a short story which is in the works.

Don't feel completely literarily barren, just not up to par.
 

Things have been barren. Maybe NaNo is not the way I write...will see...
 

I would be interested in seeing a poll....How does anyone manage to write and maintain their obligations (especially if they have a house and family)?

I am finding it extremely difficult, especially after signing up for NaNo. I can understand how after becoming an "established author" it would be easier...but when you are one paycheck away from the streets every payday and barely keeping your head above water...i just don't know anymore. I just know that my one dream I have ALWAYS had has been to be an author. I would love to be "famous" and established (rich doesn't hurt either)...it's not why I do it (or try to) though. I am compelled to write REGARDLESS. But when the hourglass becomes fuller on the bottom than the top, you begin to feel the pressure. I don't want to join the ranks of those who write all of their lives, only to become well-known (to the tune of becoming required reading in schools) AFTER they die.

{Short Break}

After spilling my guts, I think I may have talked myself into an epiphany...I think I want to become a well-known author because I enjoy entertaining others...mainly for their reactions. I thrive on it.
So there.
More than I needed to say publicly, but possibly gave me clear enough sight to carry on.
What the hell...?!
If I'm not careful, I am gonna drive myself back to drinking...lol
 

NaNo has been a constant source of stress this week. Amidst all of the other stresses of living life, now I have committed to, and subsequently tossed 3 story ideas. It's a little late in the game to be coming up with ideas...hence the stress! I just know that when the right one hits, I will be on a downhill spiral to the finish line.
 

Ok, I don't know what's going on, but I have been inundated with story/character ideas lately. I just haven't been able to get them down on paper/keyboard.
I usually follow the advice of a writer (whose name escapes me at the moment) whom I read in Writer's Digest about 25 years ago...when an idea surfaces, place it on hold in your head and go about living your life. If, after a short time, it is still with you (or morphed into something else)...it's a keeper!
I am finding NOW that this may be good for an ESTABLISHED writer or someone who can devote all of their time to it, but not-so-much for someone in MY position. I'll never get anything written at this rate! I put the idea on hold, but becasue of of my schedule and the way my life works, it ends up being lost forever before I can ever get it down.
As a Quality professional, I should have recognised the need for a change in the process flow earlier. I'm thinking about starting the new way of doing things immediately...

if I can every stop procrastinating!