Please let me introduce myself.........
MeToo
Hi to all skunks
Please can I come and play sometimes? Although not a skunk and my
only experience of your looks and habits is pictures in books and what
I have gleaned by lurking here in your domicile I would love to join
in on some of the games n' sharing of knowledge n' things.
My name is Tina (hence Metoo = The Other One because of another
Tina’s posting this week) and I am a Brit. My spelling may
occasionally offend those of you from a different culture, but as I
hope to write in this country (at least until I am a best selling
author with LOADS of money where I can experience life with _real_
choices), I suppose I’ll have to stick to the habit. It is possible
it may take me a while to reach the fame and fortune of those I read
in this ng..........but I am trying my best what with writing, living,
being smarmy........
I have written quite a few stories, articles (humorous - I think),
have two novels in various stages of completion and an idea for a non
fiction which I am researching for now and then. Oops nearly forgot
I've also written three episodes of a sitcom, but as it's fairly
experimental I'm undecided on it's potential. These are all safely
tucked up on my hard drive at the moment because I haven’t plucked up
the courage to submit anything for publishing as yet. (Scary monsters
n’ things.....) Unlike a lot of people, I did not have aspirations in
writing until fairly recently. It’s the usual story I’m afraid. My
English teacher didn’t think English was my forte, and would mumble
words such as office work....book-keeping....get out of my
classroom....whenever we got in close contact. I was one of those
pupils that <whisper> asked questions <end of whisper> in the days
when such acts were considered as insubordination.
As to the ng, I have lurked for quite a while now. In fact each
morning I open the room to my elder son's room who is reaching the
transitional stage between child and adult and think "Mmm think I'll
go and read alt. skunks now." (Something to do with aroma.....) and
when I open the door to my other son's room and pass my critical eye
over the mess in there I think "mmm time to work on my novel."
(Something to do with wading over the trash.....which I positively
refuse to deal with on principle) I love the banter. I have watched
the Flames with interest/trepidation; ; and I have listened and
soaked up all the wonderful advice that appears. I have been tempted
to de-lurk before when something particularly struck a chord, but for
a variety of reasons I didn’t get around to it.
I have also posted to another writing site, some ot the above is
written there also, but I hope this doesn't bar me from playing here
too? <g>
Thanks to all of you retrospectively for the advice I have gleaned
over the months, and like others, sending my printer into overdrive, I
now have a respectable file building up on useful advice.
Tina (The Other One)
PS Don't get fooled by the self-deprecation. I just love playing the
fool sometimes......<g>
Gene Royer
MeToo <tina.s...@mailcity.com> wrote in article
<353f6bb7....@news.ukonline.co.uk>...
Gene writes:
Welcome welcome welcome. I'm trying to get off this computer and get some
reading done, but the allure is too powerful.
There are a number of people on this newsgroup, but I am the only one with
brains.
Many of us also post to the other newsgroup; however, few admit it. I am
one who does. However, when I do, I always post under a pseudonym. Over
there, I call myself Howard Hursey. No one responds.
--Geno
JacAustin
Hi, Tina!
Welcome, I just delurked myself, and even though I've been awfully earnest,
these skunks are sooooooo tolerant.
Good luck on the courage front! I can sympathize...when I send something out,
I've noticed, even the stamps look stupid.
All best,
Jackie
Howard Hursey
"Gene Royer" <int...@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
>> Tina (The Other One)
>> PS Don't get fooled by the self-deprecation. I just love playing the
>> fool sometimes......<g>
Welcome, Tina!
>Gene writes:
>
>Welcome welcome welcome. I'm trying to get off this computer and get some
>reading done, but the allure is too powerful.
>
>There are a number of people on this newsgroup, but I am the only one with
>brains.
>
>Many of us also post to the other newsgroup; however, few admit it. I am
>one who does. However, when I do, I always post under a pseudonym. Over
>there, I call myself Howard Hursey. No one responds.
>
>--Geno
When I post in that group, I use the name Gene Royer (because it
reminds me of Roy Autrey, the famous movie cowboy). They always
respond by hurling Perrier® bottles and foi gras.
Skunk Boy
MK64
hhu...@mindspring.com (Howard Hursey) writes:
>When I post in that group, I use the name Gene Royer (because it
>reminds me of Roy Autrey, the famous movie cowboy). They always
>respond by hurling Perrier® bottles and foi gras.
>
>Skunk Boy
>
>
ah, skunk boy....
it's either
roy rogers
or
gene autrey.
mk
or maybe you know that and it's why they hurl things at you.
;-)
*********
Learn about J.A. Hitchcock's battle against a spamming/scamming "literary
agency."
check it out - http://www/geocities.com/Hollywood/6172/helpjane.htm
******
Jason K. Chapman
Welcome to the Skunk Meadow, Tina Too! Nothing stops anyone from
playing here--not even nationality. We have participants from as far
away as Alzenia (Eastern).
Skunks tend to be rather raucous, rambling, rooty-toot-toot kind of
critters, but you probably figured that out already. Dive in wherever
you want. I think Kindheart and cornCobb have settled down for a
while so the rest of us can hear ourselves think. You'll have to
forgive them. We've tried to tell them to stay out of the skunk
cabbage, but they never listen.
Jason
On Thu, 23 Apr 1998 17:39:37 GMT, tina.s...@mailcity.com (MeToo)
wrote:
>Tina (The Other One)
>PS Don't get fooled by the self-deprecation. I just love playing the
>fool sometimes......<g>
>
>
>
======================================================
Visit the Skunks Web site:
Australia http://www.vicnet.net.au/~neilb/skunks/index.htm
US http://home.sprynet.com/interserv/theguild/
Tetractys
Gene Royer wrote:
>MeToo wrote:
>> Please can I come and play sometimes? ....
>....
>There are a number of people on this newsgroup,
>but I am the only one with brains.
Is that what the disgusting pottery bowl by the door to your den contains?
>Many of us also post to the other newsgroup; however, few admit it. I am
>one who does. However, when I do, I always post under a pseudonym. Over
>there, I call myself Howard Hursey. No one responds.
That's because you killfiled yourself, you idiot. If you'd take those brains
out of the bowl and use 'em you'd see that Howard has been getting all kinds
of loving hate mail.
-Skunkactys.
Vampyr71
>Hi to all skunks
>
>Please can I come and play sometimes?
Welcome Tina and of course you can play sometimes, I love
to play with Brits.
LeStink :)=
Gene Royer
MK64 <mk...@aol.com> wrote in article
<199804231945...@ladder01.news.aol.com>...
> hhu...@mindspring.com (Howard Hursey) writes:
>
>
> >When I post in that group, I use the name Gene Royer (because it
> >reminds me of Roy Autrey, the famous movie cowboy). They always
> >respond by hurling Perrier® bottles and foi gras.
> >
> >Skunk Boy
> >
> >
>
> ah, skunk boy....
>
> it's either
> roy rogers
> or
> gene autrey.
>
> mk
>
> or maybe you know that and it's why they hurl things at you.
> ;-)
MK, you're thinking of Roy Clark and Buck Rogers from Hee Haw.
--Geno<aka
MK64
In article <6hoa7u$1...@bgtnsc02.worldnet.att.net>, "Gene Royer"
<int...@worldnet.att.net> writes:
it's just been that kinda day. what can i tell ya?
btw, or rather, more importantly, welcome tina!
marykay-
woman w/ out a skunk name,
but then i'm just recovered from getting a real name,
only having initials for a very long time.
MeToo
On 23 Apr 1998 17:59:48 GMT, "Gene Royer" <int...@worldnet.att.net>
wrote:
>
>
>MeToo <tina.s...@mailcity.com> wrote in article
><353f6bb7....@news.ukonline.co.uk>...
>> Hi to all skunks
>>
>
>Gene writes:
>
>Welcome welcome welcome. I'm trying to get off this computer and get some
>reading done, but the allure is too powerful.
>
>There are a number of people on this newsgroup, but I am the only one with
>brains.
>
>Many of us also post to the other newsgroup; however, few admit it. I am
>one who does. However, when I do, I always post under a pseudonym. Over
>there, I call myself Howard Hursey. No one responds.
>
>--Geno
Thank you for the welcome Geno.
Howard Hursey? I noticed he's been lending his address to Ms. Cobb as
well, is she a friend of yours too?
Tina
MeToo
On Thu, 23 Apr 1998 19:39:00 GMT, hhu...@mindspring.com (Howard
Hursey) wrote:
>"Gene Royer" <int...@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
>
>
<snipped a tad too much methinks >
>When I post in that group, I use the name Gene Royer (because it
>reminds me of Roy Autrey, the famous movie cowboy). They always
>respond by hurling Perrier® bottles and foi gras.
>
>Skunk Boy
Okay,
I give in. Is this a skunk game of 'Lets Confuse a Newbie?'
MeToo
Thanks Jackie,
I don't know where you are, but in the UK the Post Office has just
issued Comedian Stamps - at least that way you can have an excuse for
the fixed grin....
Tina.
MeToo
>Welcome to the Skunk Meadow, Tina Too! Nothing stops anyone from
>playing here--not even nationality. We have participants from as far
>away as Alzenia (Eastern).
>
>Skunks tend to be rather raucous, rambling, rooty-toot-toot kind of
>critters, but you probably figured that out already. Dive in wherever
>you want. I think Kindheart and cornCobb have settled down for a
>while so the rest of us can hear ourselves think. You'll have to
>forgive them. We've tried to tell them to stay out of the skunk
>cabbage, but they never listen.
>
>Jason
Thanks Jason,
I noticed the exodus...I post n' everyone says "g'bye now folks."
I started to wonder if my lack of skunk odour had something to do with
it.
Where's the skunk cabbage kept? Perhaps that'll help.
Tina.
MeToo
"Fangs a lot Vampyr71" No. No. I wasn't playing with my collar for
any particular reason. It's the new Brit fashion. Nose high
protective collars - all the rage - honest.
Tina..
Jason K. Chapman
On Thu, 23 Apr 1998 23:42:53 GMT, bluet...@cobweb.com.au (The Clan)
wrote:
>Jason will be along presently for the money...
>
>Annalouise (aka Blue Skunk)
>
I resent this! It makes me sound cold-hearted and money-grubbing.
That is simply not true. I am quite warm-hearted.
Jason(now, about those membership dues....)
Jason K. Chapman
On Thu, 23 Apr 1998 23:51:35 GMT, tina.s...@mailcity.com (MeToo)
wrote:
Let's get this one straight right now. There is no game of "Let's
Confuse a Newbie!"
Jason(It's serious business--and for $20 I'll explain it to you)
Darrow
MeToo wrote:
>
>I noticed the exodus...I post n' everyone says "g'bye now folks."
>I started to wonder if my lack of skunk odour had something to do with
>it.
>Where's the skunk cabbage kept? Perhaps that'll help.
>
>Tina.
>
Welcome, Tina! See, you didn't end this thread, I did.
Darrow
twi...@worldnet.att.net
Welcome, Tina (me too). Glad to have you stinkin' up the
place.
What's this about having stuff you haven't sent out yet?
Are you sure it's not ready to see publishing light of day?
Am I going to have to do the 'rejecting yourself' post?
Again.
Sharon
tina.s...@mailcity.com (MeToo) wrote:
>Hi to all skunks
>
Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes,
our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot
alter the state of facts and evidence.
JacAustin
Tina smilingly replied:
>I don't know where you are, but in the UK the Post Office has >just
>issued Comedian Stamps - at least that way you can have an excuse >for
>the fixed grin....
In California, where they have no excuses for the fixed grin...you shouldn't
admit to the plastic surgery.
Jackie
Darrow
twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>Welcome, Tina (me too). Glad to have you stinkin' up the
>place.
>
>What's this about having stuff you haven't sent out yet?
>Are you sure it's not ready to see publishing light of day?
>Am I going to have to do the 'rejecting yourself' post?
>Again.
>
>Sharon
Of course you will! (I missed it the first time)
Darrow
Jason K. Chapman
I'll second that.
Jason
JacAustin
I'll third that...does that count as the third knock on the door, the one that
brings action?
All best,
Jackie
MeToo
You mean on TOP of the $20 you asked for earlier in this thread.
Aagh. I think I need a breakdown of all these fees....I mean there
you go all sending warm welcomes to the group THEN you hit with the
fee structures.....Mmmm. You're not in insurance are you?<G>
Tina
MeToo
On Fri, 24 Apr 1998 13:40:17 GMT, twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>
>
>Welcome, Tina (me too). Glad to have you stinkin' up the
>place.
>
>What's this about having stuff you haven't sent out yet?
>Are you sure it's not ready to see publishing light of day?
>Am I going to have to do the 'rejecting yourself' post?
>Again.
>
>Sharon
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for the welcome, and also the advice that I have been gleaning
from you over the months. I have found it invaluable.
No, not sent out yet. Must admit some of the posts I have read
recently have made me feel I am not alone in being my own worse critic
(- at least I hope I am, I would prefer to think that than believe
that my evaluations are spot on.)
I equate it to learning to swim...the chances are you'll float but
there's still that niggling doubt......
I take the point that even if you're getting rejected you are doing
something of value and I'm in the processing of psyching myself up to
receive the rejections.
What is so stupid is that I had forgotten when I did the posting - I
have actually submitted something. Although my kids think it is a
little less than a success and usually giggle when I mention it.... I
entered a competition about eighteen months ago to write a literary
novel in 50 words (would you believe). It was a National event and I
won a runner's up prize. OK it was not a great Yahoo (or Stinker?) in
monetary terms - about £5 or slightly over $8 (depending on the
current exchange rate). but a small step in the right direction.
Funny what you forget.
Tina (MeToo)
ro...@fgi.net
In article <6hq55s$3...@bgtnsc03.worldnet.att.net>,
twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>
>
> Welcome, Tina (me too). Glad to have you stinkin' up the
> place.
>
> What's this about having stuff you haven't sent out yet?
> Are you sure it's not ready to see publishing light of day?
> Am I going to have to do the 'rejecting yourself' post?
> Again.
>
> Sharon
>
"Please, would you," a tiny voice squeaked. Hiding beneath the porch,
Rambler held her breath and hoped she was heard. Then she thought, the heck
with it. "Please. Please!!! PLEASE!!!."
-----== Posted via Deja News, The Leader in Internet Discussion ==-----
http://www.dejanews.com/ Now offering spam-free web-based newsreading
Jason K. Chapman
On Fri, 24 Apr 1998 19:32:08 GMT, tina.s...@mailcity.com (MeToo)
wrote:
Actually, the detailed breakdown of the fee structure is $10 extra.
It stinks, I know, but what's a skunk to do? I mean, we've got this
nice meadow to maintain. The new irrigation system is going to cost a
fortune! And look at all these lovely wild flowers. You think they
grow on...um...uh....
Jason(I'll settle for $8.50)
Mark Birtles
>Tina’s posting this week) and I am a Brit.
Watch yourself in here, my dear, for these are dangerous parts for an
English rose to wander unsupervised.
Most of these Americans are harmless enough and can be enchanted by
anything shiny - it may even be worth offering Geno a few baubles in
exchange for Texas - God knows, it's been known to work before.
Some, though, are tricky bastards and have evil tucked away in their
pockets, like a shopping-list
The best advice I can offer is this: if you drop the soap, leave it
where it is.
Watch your arse. Everybody else will.
Mark
Mark Birtles
On 23 Apr 1998 20:13:43 GMT, vamp...@aol.com (Vampyr71) wrote:
>
> I love to play with Brits.
>
>LeStink :)=
Hrrmph. Play with me, you malodourous deviant, and I'll kick your
kidneys out.
Mark (Britishers Against Loose Living Skunks - or, BALLS to you)
doyle
MeToo wrote:
>
> Hi to all skunks
Uh? That's *de LaRoma!* You called?
Welcome to Skunkville. <soft smile>
--
Mona de LaRoma a.k.a. Donna
(remove "nospam" to e-mail)
twi...@worldnet.att.net
jaca...@aol.com (JacAustin) wrote:
'Tis done. Look for it under the heading of 'Rejecting
yourself was Re:Please let me introduce myself....'
Sharon
twi...@worldnet.att.net
j...@mrst.com (Darrow) wrote:
>twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>
>>Welcome, Tina (me too). Glad to have you stinkin' up the
>>place.
>>
>>What's this about having stuff you haven't sent out yet?
>>Are you sure it's not ready to see publishing light of day?
>>Am I going to have to do the 'rejecting yourself' post?
>>Again.
>>
>>Sharon
>
>Of course you will! (I missed it the first time)
>
>Darrow
>
You asked for it, Darrow. On your head be it.
Eventually in the process of writing, rewriting, editing,
and polishing a piece whether of nonfiction or fiction,
short or long, there comes a time when you're on the verge
of ruining it if you keep working on it. That piece,
whatever it is, is as good as you can make it at this point.
Next year after doing some more stuff, you might be able to
rework it some more, but it's highly unlikely.
It's time to let go. If you want to use the analogy of
raising a child, it's time for it to leave the nest.
Properly, you should have chosen a set of possible markets
before you started working on it. This is called targeting,
and is an important part of the writing process if you want
to take your place among the ranks of the professionals.
Not having targeted the piece is one of the first steps in
rejecting yourself, though it is correctable. At least at
this stage.
But those who are bent on rejecting themselves continue down
the path. They mull over lists of possible markets. They
wonder whether this magazine or that publisher would be the
best one to send the baby to. (By this time, the work has
taken on the qualities of a small child, one to be
protected.) In perusing the market guidlines, they spot a
sentence fragment which might, just might, apply to their
baby. Only it seems to indicate that the slant in the
article should be just a bit different. Or one of the
characters in that novel won't be acceptable to that
particular publisher.
So we're back on the revision path again. The work is
revised and revised. A few days, weeks, months, maybe even
a year have passed. Recheck the guidelines before sending
the baby out. You guessed it. The guidelines have changed
just a hair.
Back to...
I don't think I need to go on. This is one form of
rejecting yourself. What it means is that you have so
little confidence in yourself and your work that you don't
want to risk the chance of rejection.
So you reject yourself before anyone else can do it.
This rejection has several other forms, including the stick
it in the drawer and ignore it rejection, the it's not quite
right, but I'm not sure how to fix it rejection, or the I
know it needs X, Y, and Z done to it, then print out a clean
copy, and it's ready to go, only I don't have time
rejection.
These are all the same rejection in reality. What they mean
is that the writer is not ready to deal with failure. Or
worse, the writer isn't ready to deal with success. Yep.
That's what I said. Fear of success.
Why would anyone be afraid of success? Quite a few reasons,
actually. First of all, once a writer succeeds, s/he is
expected to be able to do it again. Then again. And many
writers, even multi-published writers, have a real fear of
having to produce time after time. Then there's the fear of
not only not being able to produce stuff as good as the last
time, the one that sold, but one that's better.
There's more to fear: booksignings, copy and line editors,
agents, media interviews, giving workshops at writers
conferences whether you're competent at either speaking or
the subject or not. A whole lot of things that sound sort
of scary. Then there's the possibility of having your work
hit one of the major bestseller lists. With that prospect
comes the possibility that you'll never be able to do it
again.
Yep. Success is a lot harder to face than failure.
There's a way around this burden. Target your work
carefully, but don't bow to all the shibboleths. If you're
good, have confidence in your work and go with it while
trying to maintain marketability and the primary requirement
of all good writing, communication.
Then simply assume that with care you can handle all the
requirements to come. Assume that with each thing you
write, you can improve, that you can stand back and analyze
what you've done and find ways to make it better. Assume
that you will improve even if it seems impossibly slow while
you're doing it.
Most of all have confidence in yourself. If you've actually
finished a manuscript, you've done something important,
something few accomplish. Pat yourself on the back and let
it leave the nest. It may come back a few times for a bit
of grooming. That doesn't matter. Because you've been
working on other things while it was out looking for a new
home, your grooming skills are better.
You can do it. Just don't reject yourself.
ro...@fgi.net
In article <353f6bb7....@news.ukonline.co.uk>,
> only experience of your looks and habits is pictures in books and what
> I have gleaned by lurking here in your domicile I would love to join
> in on some of the games n' sharing of knowledge n' things.
>
Hello Tina MeToo. This is a great place to learn and play.
Rose (Rambler)
Neil Blenkiron
Gene Royer <int...@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
> > Tina (The Other One)
> > PS Don't get fooled by the self-deprecation. I just love playing the
> > fool sometimes......<g>
>
>
> Gene writes:
>
> Welcome welcome welcome. I'm trying to get off this computer and get some
> reading done, but the allure is too powerful.
>
> There are a number of people on this newsgroup, but I am the only one with
> brains.
>
> Many of us also post to the other newsgroup; however, few admit it. I am
> one who does. However, when I do, I always post under a pseudonym. Over
> there, I call myself Howard Hursey. No one responds.
>
> --Geno
Welcome Tina -- someone will be along in a short while to discuss the
subscription fees and what-not.
Don't worry too much about spelling and such, there are a number of
Skunks here who are members of the British Empire oops Commomwealth and
as such we endevour to keep the standards as high as possible under the
circumstances.
Geno is not quite correct, there are other people in this newsgroup with
brains, some of us choose to keep them in a jar beside the computer
rather than using them and thus wearing them out.
What Geno also failed to point out is that the brains he has are used.
They once belonged to an advertising something or other and as such may
not be in full working order. It may also explain why he calls himself
Howard Hursey -- there is no way that could be a real name and therefore
it comes as no surprise that people in alt.sheep.baa.baa.baa are
ignoring him.
Must dash now as the moon is on the rise and I must get my face
brushed...
Neil (Nebulous Bowkay) Blenkiron
--
"To be nobody but yourself--in a world which is doing its best night and
day, to make you everybody else--means to fight the hardest battle which
any human being can fight; and never stop fighting." e.e. cummings
MeToo
On Sat, 25 Apr 1998 05:01:21 GMT, mlin...@ix.netcom.com (Mary
Lincoln) wrote:
>On Fri, 24 Apr 1998 23:51:14 GMT, theg...@m4.interserv.com (Jason K.
>Chapman) wrote:
>
>>Jason(I'll settle for $8.50)
>
>Jason, that will hardly cover the cost of fertilizer, not to mention
>the water bill. How will you maintain the waterfall? And what about
>the bridge over troubled waters? And what about the garbage pits? Are
>you just going to abandon them? Who's to pay, I ask you?
>
>Mary
>
Who's to pay? Preferably not me.....?
Hi Mary.
The troubled waters? Is it all that skunk spraying? And how do the
flowers survive under these conditions. Perhaps I could buy some for
Ivor Lottsacompost. I have sooo many questions......
Tina.
MeToo
On Sat, 25 Apr 1998 01:26:45 GMT, twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>j...@mrst.com (Darrow) wrote:
>
>>twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>>
<snipped>
Hi Sharon,
Thank you for this wonderful advice. I just realised in my reply to
your original post I missed out my thanks for the kind offer to
repost this. Sorry.
I can relate to what you say here, and wonder how on earth you know I
keep my 'children' so well wrapped and out of harms way of those who
might reject them.....
As to your observation of the fear of Success. It made me smile as I
have written ( in a mood of frustration at my own refusal to take the
plunge) a short on avoidance techniques, A piece of irony in the 'how
to' style. "Developing Strategies. <i>Or Success and How to Avoid
It".<i> So I could see what you were saying here with stark clarity.
I do have a question though based on choosing possible markets before
you start work on an idea. It makes perfect sense from a marketing
point of view because you are not wasting time producing work that is
unmarketable. How does this equate with the inspirational element
behind the work?
I ask this because from a personal point of view, I have found if I
follow some of the rules related to writing i.e. Work to a plan, aim
for a specific market etc. What I produce, in my own mind, becomes
dull and difficult to work on. When I reject these rules and work on
something that comes from 'an inspirational trigger' (if that makes
sense) it seems to flow better. In other words is it possible, with
practice, to overcome this attitude and increase productivity?
I hope you don't mind me asking this and if you have time I'd be
grateful for some tips .
Thanks again.
Tina (MeToo)
Jason K. Chapman
>On Fri, 24 Apr 1998 23:51:14 GMT, theg...@m4.interserv.com (Jason K.
>Chapman) wrote:
>
>>Jason(I'll settle for $8.50)
>
>Jason, that will hardly cover the cost of fertilizer, not to mention
>the water bill. How will you maintain the waterfall? And what about
>the bridge over troubled waters? And what about the garbage pits? Are
>you just going to abandon them? Who's to pay, I ask you?
>
>Mary
No, no, no. I meant $8.50 for the detailed breakdown of the fee
structure. Of course, that deal is only available to those who are
paid in full.
As to the current budget spending:
1. We're considering floating a bond issue for the water bill even the
opposition thinks the idea is all wet.
2. The waterfall expenses are plummeting. In spite of the accusations
made in the rapid expansion of the white water investigation--the
banks are handling the flow just fine.
3. To look into the bridge over troubled waters, we've hired an
engineer by the name of Simon Garfunkel. So far we only have the
sounds of silence, but no news is good news. We intend to hold a
dangling conversation with him later.
5. The new garbage pit committee is really digging in--they're not
wasting time with trash, either.
6. The wild flower revenues are up thanks to a grass roots movement.
Duke Smellington
Chairman,
Meadow Maintenance Committee
twi...@worldnet.att.net
ro...@fgi.net wrote:
>In article <6hq55s$3...@bgtnsc03.worldnet.att.net>,
> twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>>
>>
>> Welcome, Tina (me too). Glad to have you stinkin' up the
>> place.
>>
>> What's this about having stuff you haven't sent out yet?
>> Are you sure it's not ready to see publishing light of day?
>> Am I going to have to do the 'rejecting yourself' post?
>> Again.
>>
>> Sharon
>>
>
>"Please, would you," a tiny voice squeaked. Hiding beneath the porch,
>Rambler held her breath and hoped she was heard. Then she thought, the heck
>with it. "Please. Please!!! PLEASE!!!."
>
>
'Tis done, 'tis done. Look for it under that header.
Sharon
>
>-----== Posted via Deja News, The Leader in Internet Discussion ==-----
>http://www.dejanews.com/ Now offering spam-free web-based newsreading
Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes,
twi...@worldnet.att.net
mlin...@ix.netcom.com (Mary Lincoln) wrote:
>On Sat, 25 Apr 1998 01:26:45 GMT, twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>
>>j...@mrst.com (Darrow) wrote:
>>
>>>twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>>>
>>>>Welcome, Tina (me too). Glad to have you stinkin' up the
>>>>place.
>>>>
>>>>What's this about having stuff you haven't sent out yet?
>>>>Are you sure it's not ready to see publishing light of day?
>>>>Am I going to have to do the 'rejecting yourself' post?
>>>>Again.
>>>>
>>>>Sharon
>>>
>>>Of course you will! (I missed it the first time)
>>>
>>>Darrow
>>>
>>
>>You asked for it, Darrow. On your head be it.
>
>Do you know what is really nice about Forte Agent? I have a file
>called twitchb and whenever I come across one of these valuable posts,
>I can _append_ it to that file. Easy as pie.
>
>Thank you, Sharon.
>
>Mary
>
My pleasure.
MeToo
On Sat, 25 Apr 1998 00:26:44 -0600, ro...@fgi.net wrote:
>Hello Tina MeToo. This is a great place to learn and play.
>
>Rose (Rambler)
Hi Rose
I'm starting to learn that.
Tina (MeToo)
MeToo
On Sat, 25 Apr 1998 01:09:05 GMT, doyle <nospam...@bellsouth.net>
wrote:
>MeToo wrote:
>>
>> Hi to all skunks
>>[ . . . ] (Something to do with aroma.....)
>
>Uh? That's *de LaRoma!* You called?
>
>Welcome to Skunkville. <soft smile>
>
>--
>Mona de LaRoma a.k.a. Donna
>(remove "nospam" to e-mail)
"Thanks Mona" (smelling sweetly) Sorry. Strike that. (Smiling
sweetly.)
Tina (MeToo)
MeToo
>On Thu, 23 Apr 1998 17:39:37 GMT, tina.s...@mailcity.com (MeToo)
>wrote:
<snipped>
>Watch yourself in here, my dear, for these are dangerous parts for an
>English rose to wander unsupervised.
>Most of these Americans are harmless enough and can be enchanted by
>anything shiny - it may even be worth offering Geno a few baubles in
>exchange for Texas - God knows, it's been known to work before.
>
>Some, though, are tricky bastards and have evil tucked away in their
>pockets, like a shopping-list
>
>The best advice I can offer is this: if you drop the soap, leave it
>where it is.
>
>
>Watch your arse. Everybody else will.
>
>Mark
Hi Mark
Thanks for the warning. Soap I haven't dropped yet. Clangers most
definitely. (Don't know if you know that word.)
Do you mean _everyone_ is watching? It's been so long.........and I
don't even have a skunk tail to swish in style.
Hope the skunks don't mind the smell of roses.
I'm frantically searching for nice shiny baubles to offer Geno. Oil
love to have Texas. Did I say oil? Oil? Can't think why.
Tina (MeToo)
twi...@worldnet.att.net
tina.s...@mailcity.com (MeToo) wrote:
<snippadedodah, snippedyay>
>Thank you for this wonderful advice. I just realised in my reply to
>your original post I missed out my thanks for the kind offer to
>repost this. Sorry.
>
Actually, I discovered in going back through my files that I
*hadn't* actually done a separate piece on rejecting
yourself, just slipped the lecture into various and sundry
other posts. So I wrote this one up last night. Seemed the
simplest way to go.
>I can relate to what you say here, and wonder how on earth you know I
>keep my 'children' so well wrapped and out of harms way of those who
>might reject them.....
>
'Cause I used to do that myself. Except, of course, all the
stuff I had to write (as in I was being paid for it and
occasionally had a secretary standing over my typewriter and
ripping out each paragraph as I wrote it) as an advertising
copywriter and a tech writer.
What solved my problem is not only adopting a pseudonym,
Sarah Edwards, but endowing her with a personality. She's
the one who has to get up at writers conferences and make an
idiot--uh, speak at workshops. She's the one who goofs and
makes a mess and gets rejected. Bob (my husband who's the
other half of Sarah Edwards) and I have to clean the mess up
she leaves behind. But everyone knows we're good at
cleaning up the mess, just as good as she is at making them.
>As to your observation of the fear of Success. It made me smile as I
>have written ( in a mood of frustration at my own refusal to take the
>plunge) a short on avoidance techniques, A piece of irony in the 'how
>to' style. "Developing Strategies. <i>Or Success and How to Avoid
>It".<i> So I could see what you were saying here with stark clarity.
>
The first step in solving a problem is defining it. You've
defined it; now you're on the road to solving it.
>I do have a question though based on choosing possible markets before
>you start work on an idea. It makes perfect sense from a marketing
>point of view because you are not wasting time producing work that is
>unmarketable. How does this equate with the inspirational element
>behind the work?
>
I think the keyword for solving this problem is *attitude*.
I ran into this problem a couple of centuries ago, at least
that's what it feels like this morning with all the pollen
in the air, when I first started writing professionally. Do
you have any idea how hard it is to be creative when the
topics are things like used cars and funeral homes? Not to
mention quieting valves on a submarine, weapons elevators on
an aircraft carrier, or antenna manuals for frigates. Yep.
I've written all that junk and more. Since terminal boredom
or squeamishness doesn't help make the writing interesting,
I decided I needed to find something that interested me in
all these things. Even managed to succeed. What I did is
create characters who needed the information I was supposed
to be writing about. Then I talked to that *one* person and
did fairly well at it.
Howard Hursey uses a similar method in his copywriting as a
freelance. Besides, he has the same incentive I did when I
was writing about funeral homes. A family dependent on us
for support. At the time I was in an ad agency writing
about such lovely things, my husband was still in college.
I'd graduated a couple of years earlier than he because I
didn't spend three years in the army.
As to how you make writing targeted pieces inspirational and
creative, it's actually pretty easy. As one example, let's
say I needed the money and a new magazine about dogs was
looking for freelance material and would pay well. Okay.
I'm a cat fancier (at least I am now according to the cat
who owns this house and us). So how can I make a piece on
dogs interesting enough that I don't go dull in my writing?
How about a piece on introducing a cat into the house? That
should sell because a number of households have both cats
and dogs. A little research et voila there we are with a
nice, saleable, interesting article.
Or another example, real life this time. When we received
our first book contract we hadn't written a word of the
proposed book. We were told that despite my pretty fair
lack of knowledge of the Victorian era that we were setting
it in the Victorian era. (My undergraduate and graduate
work is in medieval European and Islamic history.) In
school, I'd always thought of the Victorian period as
terminally dull. But we had to write a book set then or
lose the contract. So I started digging in. And found all
sorts of fascinating things. Pretty soon, I was having fun,
and a reasonably good book was the result.
The trick is in reading the market listings. An example is
one I saw recently from Berkley, a major mass market
publisher located in New York. In it, they said they were
looking for books which featured friends. The friends must
appear as youngsters in a prologue, then later on reunite
while finding love and marriage. I'm probably misquoting
the listing a bit because I'm too lazy to run in and find it
in the RWR (Romance Writers Report). But as I've described
it, it sounds pretty restrictive, doesn't it?
Only it's not. The characters are pretty much left up to
me. Of course I have to get the two women together with
their husbands-to-be by the end of the book, but that's true
of all romance. In fact, all genres require certain
elements which vary according to genre. If you read a
genre, it's far easier to get yourself into that mindframe
anyway. I like relationship books, so it's easy for me to
think that way. With that as a given, though, I've got far
more freedom than I could possibly use. All of time is at
my disposal. The characters can be anyone I want, even if
two of them must be women and friends. But I can easily
live with that limitation. Most women's fiction doesn't
explore that aspect of women's lives, i.e., friendship
between two women. So that sounds rather interesting, too.
With that said, I'm off and running on another possible
book.
As I said, the entire thing hinges on attitude. If you look
at restrictions as killing creativity, it will. If you look
at restrictions as enhancing creativity, it will also. Once
you realize that all writing *must* involve restrictions,
you'll be home free.
Perhaps I should define what I mean by restrictions. Any
time you choose a subject to write about, you restrict
yourself. However fascinating, facts or characters which
have nothing to do with that subject must be evicted. If
you're writing fiction, again you must restrict yourself.
When you choose what the story will be about, you've
restricted yourself to certain types of characters, even
certain milieus and, if you're writing historicals like I
do, certain external factors such as technology and the way
it affects daily life.
Think about restrictions and guidelines as creativity and
inspiration enhancers rather than killers. You'll have a
lot more fun and have much more marketable work.
>I ask this because from a personal point of view, I have found if I
>follow some of the rules related to writing i.e. Work to a plan, aim
>for a specific market etc. What I produce, in my own mind, becomes
>dull and difficult to work on. When I reject these rules and work on
>something that comes from 'an inspirational trigger' (if that makes
>sense) it seems to flow better. In other words is it possible, with
>practice, to overcome this attitude and increase productivity?
>
Did you see the thing I did about outlining? At least I
*think* I did one on outlining. At any rate, my personal
point of view was honed by Phyllis A. Whitney. As she said,
"A map is not the journey." The one thing an outline does
for you is to give you the freedom to explore detours you
come to as you write. Because you have the map, you can
roam away from the most direct route to the ending you want
for your characters. If the detour proves amazingly
interesting and will affect the ending you've already set
up, so be it. It will be one of the simplest things
imaginable to reshape the outline and incorporate the
detour. All you must do is look at the outline objectively
and decide what scenes need to be changed, both before and
after the detour. Then you can continue writing secure in
the knowledge of what you need to change and where. Also
why. If, on the other hand, you don't like the detour, it's
easy to come back to the road you were on originally. The
only thing required is the emotional certainty that the
outline is *NOT* set in concrete. Remember what Whitney
said. The map is not the journey.
>I hope you don't mind me asking this and if you have time I'd be
>grateful for some tips .
Not a problem. I'm always happy to talk about one of my
favorite subjects, writing. Besides, I regard these posts
as a warmup for the day's work.
>
>Thanks again.
>
My pleasure.
>Tina (MeToo)
doyle
Thanks, Darrow. I missed it, too.
twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>
> j...@mrst.com (Darrow) wrote:
>
> >twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
> >
> >>Welcome, Tina (me too). Glad to have you stinkin' up the
> >>place.
> >>
> >>What's this about having stuff you haven't sent out yet?
> >>Are you sure it's not ready to see publishing light of day?
> >>Am I going to have to do the 'rejecting yourself' post?
> >>Again.
> >>
> >>Sharon
> >
> >Of course you will! (I missed it the first time)
> >
> >Darrow
> >
>
> You asked for it, Darrow. On your head be it.
>
From your keys Sharon, to my screen and now saved to my hard drive. I
*needed* this.
--
ro...@fgi.net
In article <6hsmqu$j...@bgtnsc02.worldnet.att.net>,
twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>
> ro...@fgi.net wrote:
>
> >In article <6hq55s$3...@bgtnsc03.worldnet.att.net>,
> > twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
> >>
>
> >"Please, would you," a tiny voice squeaked. Hiding beneath the porch,
> >Rambler held her breath and hoped she was heard. Then she thought, the heck
> >with it. "Please. Please!!! PLEASE!!!."
> >
> >
>
> 'Tis done, 'tis done. Look for it under that header.
>
> Sharon
Rambler jumped for joy and sang a little song. "I got it. Thank you."
>
> >
> >-----== Posted via Deja News, The Leader in Internet Discussion ==-----
> >http://www.dejanews.com/ Now offering spam-free web-based newsreading
>
> Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes,
> our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot
> alter the state of facts and evidence.
>
twi...@worldnet.att.net
ro...@fgi.net wrote:
>In article <6hsmqu$j...@bgtnsc02.worldnet.att.net>,
> twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>>
>> ro...@fgi.net wrote:
>>
>> >In article <6hq55s$3...@bgtnsc03.worldnet.att.net>,
>> > twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>> >>
> >
>> >"Please, would you," a tiny voice squeaked. Hiding beneath the porch,
>> >Rambler held her breath and hoped she was heard. Then she thought, the heck
>> >with it. "Please. Please!!! PLEASE!!!."
>> >
>> >
>>
>> 'Tis done, 'tis done. Look for it under that header.
>>
>> Sharon
>
>Rambler jumped for joy and sang a little song. "I got it. Thank you."
>
My pleasure. Just don't jump so hard you break something.
But if you do, make it one of the lower extremities so you
can still write.
Sharon
Randilee Ryder
On Sat, 25 Apr 1998, Mark Birtles wrote:
> On 23 Apr 1998 20:13:43 GMT, vamp...@aol.com (Vampyr71) wrote:
>
> >
> > I love to play with Brits.
> >
> >LeStink :)=
>
> Hrrmph. Play with me, you malodourous deviant, and I'll kick your
> kidneys out.
>
Oh oh, sounds like Mark wants steak and kidney pie. What? No fish today
your thongs have gone away.
>
> Mark (Britishers Against Loose Living Skunks - or, BALLS to you)
>
> Mark, Mark, Mark, that't balls to your partner Arse against the wall...
Mistress Flower (who knows a pervert when she see's one)
twi...@worldnet.att.net
doyle <nospam...@bellsouth.net> wrote:
>Thanks, Darrow. I missed it, too.
>
>twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>>
>> j...@mrst.com (Darrow) wrote:
>>
>> >twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>> >
>> >>Welcome, Tina (me too). Glad to have you stinkin' up the
>> >>place.
>> >>
>> >>What's this about having stuff you haven't sent out yet?
>> >>Are you sure it's not ready to see publishing light of day?
>> >>Am I going to have to do the 'rejecting yourself' post?
>> >>Again.
>> >>
>> >>Sharon
>> >
>> >Of course you will! (I missed it the first time)
>> >
>> >Darrow
>> >
>>
>> You asked for it, Darrow. On your head be it.
>>
>
>From your keys Sharon, to my screen and now saved to my hard drive. I
>*needed* this.
>
My pleasure. I think all of us need to be reminded that the
only way to sell anything is to risk someone saying no. On
the other hand (or paw, to be skunkly) the answer is always
no if nothing is out. It's a hard lesson to learn, and,
unfortunately, it's a lesson we have to relearn every once
in a while.
Erin C. D.
>
>I do have a question though based on choosing possible markets before
>you start work on an idea. It makes perfect sense from a marketing
>point of view because you are not wasting time producing work that is
>unmarketable. How does this equate with the inspirational element
>behind the work?
>Thanks again.
>Tina (MeToo)
Ok...i know i'm not Sharon, but i can tell you what works for me ;). At
least when i'm doing writing for contests that is...most times i use them
(Markets, contest rules, anthology topics) as ideas, and then the
inspiration comes, based on that. So if i know that something, for a made-up
example here, in Horse Fantasies, is coming up, or there's currently a
contest out for Dragon stories, then i cut and paste those into my ongoing
list so i can look at them whenever i've got free time between other works,
or when i'm looking for something to free write on, for a break from the
grind ;). And so then it's not really cramping my inspirations, but rather
channeling them towards a goal. The story i come up with may or may not
match the market or the contest, or even be anything but a play story, but i
think it helps to write on a topic with a pretend deadline (even if it's
just in my head, or a contest send-in-by-now date). But if it is good
enough, i've got someplace to send it - and in the sf/f market, most mag's
overlap enough that even if one place turns it down, i've got a few others i
can try for, even if it wasn't written specifically for them.
Hope it helps, and keep in mind i'm not published yet - just workin' on
it ;)
Erin Cashier Denton
ro...@fgi.net
In article <6htpun$9...@bgtnsc02.worldnet.att.net>,
twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>
> ro...@fgi.net wrote:
>
> >In article <6hsmqu$j...@bgtnsc02.worldnet.att.net>,
> > twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
> >>
> >> ro...@fgi.net wrote:
> >>
> >> >In article <6hq55s$3...@bgtnsc03.worldnet.att.net>,
> >> > twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
> >> >>
> > >
> >> >"Please, would you," a tiny voice squeaked. Hiding beneath the porch,
> >> >Rambler held her breath and hoped she was heard. Then she thought, the heck
> >> >with it. "Please. Please!!! PLEASE!!!."
> >> >
> >> >
> >>
> >> 'Tis done, 'tis done. Look for it under that header.
> >>
> >> Sharon
> >
> >Rambler jumped for joy and sang a little song. "I got it. Thank you."
> >
>
> My pleasure. Just don't jump so hard you break something.
> But if you do, make it one of the lower extremities so you
> can still write.
>
>
> Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes,
> our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot
> alter the state of facts and evidence.
>
Only jumped a few times. Bumped my head. Forgot I was still under the porch.
Rambler
MeToo
On Sat, 25 Apr 1998 13:44:51 GMT, twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
<snipped reluctantly>
Sharon wrote:
>The trick is in reading the market listings. An example is
>one I saw recently from Berkley, a major mass market
>publisher located in New York. In it, they said they were
>looking for books which featured friends. The friends must
>appear as youngsters in a prologue, then later on reunite
>while finding love and marriage. I'm probably misquoting
>the listing a bit because I'm too lazy to run in and find it
>in the RWR (Romance Writers Report). But as I've described
>it, it sounds pretty restrictive, doesn't it?
Everything you say here makes perfect sense. Can I ask? Where do you
find a market listing? Or for that matter a RWR? Are they only
available to published/professionals? I've heard of them a few times
but never seen one.
Thanks again Sharon.
Tina (MeToo)
MeToo
>
> Ok...i know i'm not Sharon, but i can tell you what works for me ;). At
>least when i'm doing writing for contests that is...most times i use them
>(Markets, contest rules, anthology topics) as ideas, and then the
>inspiration comes, based on that. So if i know that something, for a made-up
>example here, in Horse Fantasies, is coming up, or there's currently a
>contest out for Dragon stories, then i cut and paste those into my ongoing
>list so i can look at them whenever i've got free time between other works,
>or when i'm looking for something to free write on, for a break from the
>grind ;). And so then it's not really cramping my inspirations, but rather
>channeling them towards a goal. The story i come up with may or may not
>match the market or the contest, or even be anything but a play story, but i
>think it helps to write on a topic with a pretend deadline (even if it's
>just in my head, or a contest send-in-by-now date). But if it is good
>enough, i've got someplace to send it - and in the sf/f market, most mag's
>overlap enough that even if one place turns it down, i've got a few others i
>can try for, even if it wasn't written specifically for them.
> Hope it helps, and keep in mind i'm not published yet - just workin' on
>it ;)
> Erin Cashier Denton
Thanks Erin.
All advice and discussion is helpful in forming opinions or a way of
working. Perhaps I can return the compliment some time when we
discuss something I know about! I actually do the same as you here.
Some of my stories are prompted by competitions.
Tina (MeToo)
twi...@worldnet.att.net
tina.s...@mailcity.com (MeToo) wrote:
>Everything you say here makes perfect sense. Can I ask? Where do you
>find a market listing? Or for that matter a RWR? Are they only
>available to published/professionals? I've heard of them a few times
>but never seen one.
>
>Thanks again Sharon.
>
>Tina (MeToo)
The market listings I read come every month in the RWR.
That's Romance Writers Report for those who haven't run into
the acronym before. There are other sources for market
listings, too. Among the sources freely available to the
public are *Writers Market 1998* (it's updated yearly) and
in the UK, *Writers and Artists Annual*. (I think. I've
never seen a copy of it, so some of our folks who have can
correct me if I've goofed.)
If, however, you are interested in writing romance, I'd
suggest joining Romance Writers of America. It's not just
for folks who live in the US, or for that matter in North
America. We have members from Australia and New Zealand to
England and Israel and points in between. And I've
undoubtedly missed a number of locations.
Requirements for joining are an appreciation of romance
fiction and a desire to write it. That's all. Once you
join, you'll receive the RWR with all sorts of good articles
and advice. The May issue concerns planning your career as
a writer, including advice on what you can control and what
you can't.
There's another major benefit of belonging to RWA: The
Golden Heart contest. Annually, members unpublished in
book-length romance fiction may enter manuscripts in the
Golden Heart in any of a number of subgenres. If you want,
I'll list some of them here. After the preliminary round,
those who make it into the finals are judge by editors. Of
those who make it into the finals, 99.9% are published or
under contract within two years.
You'll also have the opportunity to attend regional
conferences as well as the national conference each year.
During these conferences, numerous workshops offer advice on
everything from the basics of writing to what you should do
if you've been orphaned. Orphaned means your editor has
retired or gone to another publishere or the publisher has
gone out of business or has decided to leave that particular
field. Then there are orphaned books which happen when you
rejected your publisher's offer and signed with another
house. What can happen to that book in the marketplace may
be brutal.
This year's national conference is in Anaheim, CA, and will
be hosted by the Orange County Chapter of RWA. Bob and I
may attend; we haven't made up our minds yet.
MeToo
On Sun, 26 Apr 1998 13:13:46 GMT, twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>tina.s...@mailcity.com (MeToo) wrote:
>The market listings I read come every month in the RWR.
>That's Romance Writers Report for those who haven't run into
>the acronym before. There are other sources for market
>listings, too. Among the sources freely available to the
>public are *Writers Market 1998* (it's updated yearly) and
>in the UK, *Writers and Artists Annual*. (I think. I've
>never seen a copy of it, so some of our folks who have can
>correct me if I've goofed.)
I have a copy of the 'Writers and Artists Yearbook' (?) However it
does not have detailed requirements as you outlined in your posting.
It seemed to be a request for a very specific type of book with basic
outline provided?
>If, however, you are interested in writing romance, I'd
>suggest joining Romance Writers of America. It's not just
>for folks who live in the US, or for that matter in North
>America. We have members from Australia and New Zealand to
>England and Israel and points in between. And I've
>undoubtedly missed a number of locations.
>Requirements for joining are an appreciation of romance
>fiction and a desire to write it. That's all. Once you
>join, you'll receive the RWR with all sorts of good articles
>and advice. The May issue concerns planning your career as
>a writer, including advice on what you can control and what
>you can't.
>
>There's another major benefit of belonging to RWA: The
>Golden Heart contest. Annually, members unpublished in
>book-length romance fiction may enter manuscripts in the
>Golden Heart in any of a number of subgenres. If you want,
>I'll list some of them here. After the preliminary round,
>those who make it into the finals are judge by editors. Of
>those who make it into the finals, 99.9% are published or
>under contract within two years.
Please. I would be very interested in seeing it.
>You'll also have the opportunity to attend regional
>conferences as well as the national conference each year.
>During these conferences, numerous workshops offer advice on
>everything from the basics of writing to what you should do
>if you've been orphaned. Orphaned means your editor has
>retired or gone to another publishere or the publisher has
>gone out of business or has decided to leave that particular
>field. Then there are orphaned books which happen when you
>rejected your publisher's offer and signed with another
>house. What can happen to that book in the marketplace may
>be brutal.
>
>This year's national conference is in Anaheim, CA, and will
>be hosted by the Orange County Chapter of RWA. Bob and I
>may attend; we haven't made up our minds yet.
Sounds interesting but a bit too far I think.
>Sharon
>
>Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes,
>our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot
>alter the state of facts and evidence.
Mark Birtles
On Sat, 25 Apr 1998 13:23:06 GMT, tina.s...@mailcity.com (MeToo)
wrote:
>Thanks for the warning. Soap I haven't dropped yet. Clangers most
>definitely. (Don't know if you know that word.)
Do I know *Clangers?* Do *I* know Clangers? Do I *know* Clangers?
Listen, Toots,
If you know Clangers
Like I know Clangers
Oh Oh
Oh what a cute set of alien whistling mice-type thingies.
And the Soup Dragon's not bad, either.
Mark (1970s UK Children's TV is my middle name)
Jason K. Chapman
That's a little unwieldy when you're filling in forms and such, isn't
it?
Jason(who just has a plain old one word middle name)
twi...@worldnet.att.net
tina.s...@mailcity.com (MeToo) wrote:
<snip>
>>Requirements for joining are an appreciation of romance
>>fiction and a desire to write it. That's all. Once you
>>join, you'll receive the RWR with all sorts of good articles
>>and advice. The May issue concerns planning your career as
>>a writer, including advice on what you can control and what
>>you can't.
>>
>>There's another major benefit of belonging to RWA: The
>>Golden Heart contest. Annually, members unpublished in
>>book-length romance fiction may enter manuscripts in the
>>Golden Heart in any of a number of subgenres. If you want,
>>I'll list some of them here. After the preliminary round,
>>those who make it into the finals are judge by editors. Of
>>those who make it into the finals, 99.9% are published or
>>under contract within two years.
>
>Please. I would be very interested in seeing it.
>
All the necessary information is at the RWA website:
http://www.rwanational.com where you can get the application
form and even apply and pay dues via the internet with a
credit card. A link from the home page will get you where
you need to go. If I recall correctly, the deadline this
past year for entry into the GH contest (members only) was
December 10 last year. It will be something similar this
December I feel sure.
It's a good way to go; I can state that from personal
experience. My husband and I were finalists in two
categories one year. Before leaving the conference that
year, we had a book contract.
<snip>
>>
>>This year's national conference is in Anaheim, CA, and will
>>be hosted by the Orange County Chapter of RWA. Bob and I
>>may attend; we haven't made up our minds yet.
>
>Sounds interesting but a bit too far I think.
>
You'll also have the opportunity to buy tapes of the
conference workshops. (No, I'm not giving any of them,
though I have in the past.) If any of them sound
interesting to you when you get the list, let me know. Even
if I dont attend, I'll check with friends to find out if
it's a case of "The topic sounded great, but the workshop?
Bleahh!" or it really was worth spending the money on.
Mark Birtles
>>Mark (1970s UK Children's TV is my middle name)
>
>That's a little unwieldy when you're filling in forms and such, isn't
>it?
>
>Jason(who just has a plain old one word middle name)
I usually abbreviate it to Babs
Mark Babs Birtles
Tina MeToo
On Mon, 27 Apr 1998 13:47:22 GMT, twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>tina.s...@mailcity.com (MeToo) wrote:
><snip>
>
>All the necessary information is at the RWA website:
>http://www.rwanational.com where you can get the application
>form and even apply and pay dues via the internet with a
>credit card. A link from the home page will get you where
>you need to go. If I recall correctly, the deadline this
>past year for entry into the GH contest (members only) was
>December 10 last year. It will be something similar this
>December I feel sure.
>
>It's a good way to go; I can state that from personal
>experience. My husband and I were finalists in two
>categories one year. Before leaving the conference that
>year, we had a book contract.
>
><snip>
>>>
>>>This year's national conference is in Anaheim, CA, and will
>>>be hosted by the Orange County Chapter of RWA. Bob and I
>>>may attend; we haven't made up our minds yet.
>>
>
>You'll also have the opportunity to buy tapes of the
>conference workshops. (No, I'm not giving any of them,
>though I have in the past.) If any of them sound
>interesting to you when you get the list, let me know. Even
>if I dont attend, I'll check with friends to find out if
>it's a case of "The topic sounded great, but the workshop?
>Bleahh!" or it really was worth spending the money on.
>
>Sharon
>
>
>Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes,
>our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot
>alter the state of facts and evidence.
Thanks again Sharon.
Tina
--
- VoRtEx @ APEX Underground
Mail: vorte...@innocent.com
ICQ: 8911178
"It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education"
(Albert Einstein)
Neil Blenkiron
MeToo <tina.s...@mailcity.com> wrote:
> On Sat, 25 Apr 1998 13:44:51 GMT, twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>
> <snipped reluctantly>
> Sharon wrote:
> >The trick is in reading the market listings. An example is
> >one I saw recently from Berkley, a major mass market
> >publisher located in New York. In it, they said they were
> >looking for books which featured friends. The friends must
> >appear as youngsters in a prologue, then later on reunite
> >while finding love and marriage. I'm probably misquoting
> >the listing a bit because I'm too lazy to run in and find it
> >in the RWR (Romance Writers Report). But as I've described
> >it, it sounds pretty restrictive, doesn't it?
> Everything you say here makes perfect sense. Can I ask? Where do you
> find a market listing? Or for that matter a RWR? Are they only
> available to published/professionals? I've heard of them a few times
> but never seen one.
>
> Thanks again Sharon.
>
> Tina (MeToo)
Tina,
There are quite a number of websites that specialise in listing market.
The problem being is that they are invariably North American Markets and
therefore very difficult for the non-north 'merican to break into.
Inkspots: < http://www.inkspot.com/ > is a good place to start.
There are also a number of books that list markets, most come out
annually.
Writers' & Artists' Year Book published by A & C Black,
ISBN 0-7136-4427-3 is published in England and covers the UK, most of
the Brittish Commonwealth and some European markets (books, periodicals,
film, television, stage, agents etc) . You may be able to find a copy in
your local library or good bookshop. The price of the 1997 edition was
£10.99. It is recommended by the Society of Authors and The Writers'
Guild.
Another good source is the periodicals themselves. Somewhere in the
edition will be a column or half page of names and addresses of the
publisher, publishing times and what not. If you write to the periodical
asking for guidelines or just pitching an idea (don't forget your
Stamped Self Addressed Envelope, SSAE) you should get a response.
The American versin of W & A Yearbook is Writer's Market, Writer's
Digest Books, ISBN 0-89879-792-6 it's US$27.99 for the book and does
come in a Book CDROM version as well. Again your local library or
bookseller should have a copy or be able to get it for you.
Check in your local newsagent and see if they sell any writing
magazines.
Three that come to mind are:
Writer's Digest
1507 Dana Ave
Cincinnati Ohio 45207
The Writer
120 Boylston St
Boston MA 02116
Which are USAian
and
Writing Magazine
PO Box 4
Nairn IV12 4HU
United Kingdom
You may also wish to contact (from Writers' and Artist Yearbook 1997):
Your local Arts Council number will be in the phone book
Arts Council of England
14 Great Peter St
London SW1P 3NQ
Tel: 0171 333 0100
The Society of Authors
84 Drayton Gardens
London SW10 9SB
Tel: 0171 373 6642
British Amateur Press Association (BAPA)
Flat 36
Priory Park
Botanical Way
St Osyth
Essex CO16 8TE
Writers' Circles
Jill Dick
Pldacre
Horderns Park Road
Chapel-en-le-Frith
Derbyshire SK12 6SY
Tel: 01298 812305
email: jil...@cix.compulink.co.uk
Note for above: This organisation publishes a _The Directory of
Writers' Circles_ which cantains addresses of several hundred writers'
circles, guilds, workshops, literary clubs, societies and organisations.
Copies as at 1997 are £5.00 post free.
The Writers Guild of Great Britain
430 Edgeware Road
London W2 1EH
Tel: 0171 706 2413
All of the above where correct as of 1997.
Bet that was more than you expected huh?<g>
good luck.
Neil B
ps don't forget to check your local community college or polytech (do
you still have these?) for writing courses, they sometimes have contacts
you can use as well.
--
In matters of conscience, the law of majority has no place. -Mohandas
Karamchand Gandhi
MeToo
>MeToo <tina.s...@mailcity.com> wrote:
>
>> On Sat, 25 Apr 1998 13:44:51 GMT, twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>>
>> <snipped reluctantly>
>> Sharon wrote:
>> >The trick is in reading the market listings. An example is
>> >one I saw recently from Berkley, a major mass market
>> >publisher located in New York. In it, they said they were
>> >looking for books which featured friends. The friends must
>> >appear as youngsters in a prologue, then later on reunite
>> >while finding love and marriage. I'm probably misquoting
>> >the listing a bit because I'm too lazy to run in and find it
>> >in the RWR (Romance Writers Report). But as I've described
>> >it, it sounds pretty restrictive, doesn't it?
>
Now I have a problem.
I am sitting here like a child who has been told, "You can have what
ever you want ... take your pick." and like a child, I'm thinking,
'Shall I try this one? No. This one might be nicer ... Uhmm ..."
Thanks Neil. I'm really grateful for all the support, and yes, it is
definitely more than I expected. <g>
Tina MeToo.
"I'll try that one. Definitely. There again ..."
twi...@worldnet.att.net
>twi...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>
>>Welcome, Tina (me too). Glad to have you stinkin' up the
>>place.
>>
>>What's this about having stuff you haven't sent out yet?
>>Are you sure it's not ready to see publishing light of day?
>>Am I going to have to do the 'rejecting yourself' post?
>>Again.
>>
>>Sharon
>
>Of course you will! (I missed it the first time)
>
>Darrow
>
You asked for it, Darrow. On your head be it.
Eventually in the process of writing, rewriting, editing,
Back to...
Sharon
Pale Ebenezer thought it wrong to fight,
But Roaring Bill (who killed him) thought it right.
(The Pacifist by Belloc)
twi...@worldnet.att.net
<snippadedodah, snippedyay>
>I do have a question though based on choosing possible markets before
>you start work on an idea. It makes perfect sense from a marketing
>point of view because you are not wasting time producing work that is
>unmarketable. How does this equate with the inspirational element
>behind the work?
>
I think the keyword for solving this problem is *attitude*.
The trick is in reading the market listings. An example is
one I saw recently from Berkley, a major mass market
publisher located in New York. In it, they said they were
looking for books which featured friends. The friends must
appear as youngsters in a prologue, then later on reunite
while finding love and marriage. I'm probably misquoting
the listing a bit because I'm too lazy to run in and find it
in the RWR (Romance Writers Report). But as I've described
it, it sounds pretty restrictive, doesn't it?
Only it's not. The characters are pretty much left up to
>
>Thanks again.
>
My pleasure.
>Tina (MeToo)
>
>