posted on December 6, 2002 12:55:39 PM new
Hey folks -
We all do stuff apart from our auctions.
I'm a writer and my first novel was just published.
What do other AW members do for fun or creativity?
ferncrestmotel
posted on December 6, 2002 01:22:16 PM new
Hi,congrats on your book.Can you tell us a little about it?
I like to travel, but Im dry docked right now,Maybe next month......
posted on December 6, 2002 01:43:07 PM new
Yes do tell us a little. We may order copies if we have the publisher and title.
I'm 65k words into my first book - a SF story set in 2083 on a commercial satellite, Mitsubishi-3. When I hope I can attract an agent and publisher as you have succeded in doing.
posted on December 6, 2002 05:58:36 PM new
Congrats! I'd like to know more about the book, as well. I'm more the artsy type. My greatest job was that as a layout artist and typesetter for the local union newspapers. I've tried my hand at writing, but somehow what's in my mind doesn't sound as great once it travels down the pencil to the paper. I did, however, write this little ditty one evening when frustrated by Christmas shopping:
Dear Santa
'Twas two months before Christmas and all through the malls
your picture was plastered all over the walls.
My kids were excited and acted with care,
knowing you portrait was stuck everywhere.
My nerves they unraveled, my nails were all bit
and I feel to the ground in a terrible fit.
When I opened my eyes I could not ignore,
the kids hung your picture on our front door.
And what could I do but give in to the fuss,
to the mall I did run, go broke or go bust.
As I gathered my packages, what did I fear?
Your jolly red suit and your flying reindeer.
Back at home as I put the children to bed,
I knew thoughts of their gifts were filling their heads.
Then I heard you exclaim that night from my lawn:
Merry Christmas To You, Your Accounts Overdrawn!
posted on December 6, 2002 08:44:30 PM new
Congrat's, fern. I can imagine how exciting it is to have a whole book being preped for publication. I write as well, and have had much of my poetry and several of my short stories published as well.
I can understand that, yellowstone: I have started 3 books, but all are langushing in memory. I prefer prose and shorties; they keep me more focused.
Gravid, have you tried the magazine Writers Journal; they give some really good information on publishing oppertunities. Tafford publishing and Tall Tale Press Books are other reputed publishers. Tafford is a form of self-publication, but it can get you noticed. Tall Tale does mostly short stories, but it can be a good way to get started. Bards Ink is a good writers community to join as well; the guys and gals there can really help you polish your work.
posted on December 7, 2002 01:21:02 AM new
CONGRATULATTIONS!! Please tell us about your book and when it will be released.
I am currently 9 chapters into my second book, and am trying to get my first published :c) Also like scuba diving, mule riding, movies, books, and wood carving. Censorship, like charity, should begin at home; but unlike charity, it should end there --Clare Booth Luce
posted on December 7, 2002 05:08:09 AM new
b-b I will check out the sites. I looked at a bunch of them last year and was rather put off.
Be nice to find something better.
Bunn. - You gotta get back into mule riding - but this time don't combine it with flying.....
posted on December 7, 2002 08:08:13 AM new
Gravid: Actually, I am getting back into riding. I have finally been able to get back up on Sweet Fanny--twice in the past two weeks (the friend taking care of her lives much farther away than where she is normally boarded). I have stayed inside a paddock, though, as my arm is still pretty weak...and getting off is a real "adventure" Censorship, like charity, should begin at home; but unlike charity, it should end there --Clare Booth Luce
posted on December 7, 2002 09:15:37 AM new
Hi all -
Sorry I disappeared . . . went to play some music with friends last night . . .
AGE OF INNOCENTS is my first novel, and it is now in print.
Fifteen years after America is attacked by renegade old-guard Soviet generals unhappy with Russia's shaky steps toward prosperity, a group of teenagers living in the tiny mountain community of Palomar, California explores the technology of the past against the wishes of their townsfolk.
Through equal doses of humor and horror, the kids face challenges which threaten their friendship and determination to restore the American way of life.
Those who have read the book compare it to the writing styles of Stephen King and Tom Clancy.
My personal website for the book is at
http://www.geocities.com/ageofinnocentsnovel/
You can order it at
http://rosedogbookstore.com
(I'll write more in a minute for the struggling writers.)
Thanks for your interest, everyone!
posted on December 7, 2002 09:35:20 AM new
Hi again -
We are uniquely empowered, in this age of word processors and the Internet, to tell the world what's on our minds. I really believe that everyone has at least one great book in them, and now that the daunting image of laboring over a typewriter is a thing of the past, you just have to take the time to tell your story. Once you get going, you'll probably find yourself feeling like a spectator, amazed at the way your ideas take form.
I suggest that new writers check out RoseDog.com - it's a site which connects writers, readers, agents, and publishers. You can post an excerpt from your work as well as a synopsis for free. I was fortunate enough to win a writer's competition, and RoseDog awarded me a writing contract.
Good luck to everyone! It would be a tedious world without writers, musicians, actors and artists.
ferncrestmotel
posted on December 7, 2002 10:30:55 AM new
Hi Katy -
Thanks for the kind words.
For anyone who isn't familiar with Palomar, California, it's about 48 miles north-east as the crow flies from San Diego. It is best known for the Palomar Observatory which houses the 200 inch Hale Telescope, one of the largest in the world.
I live in Carlsbad, on the coast about 50 miles to the north-west of Palomar.
posted on December 7, 2002 10:42:46 AM new
That's an appropriate alternate version, Cheryl!
Maybe one of the debt consolidation companies who advertise on tv and radio should use it for their ads!
ferncrestmotel
posted on December 14, 2002 01:02:49 PM new
Hey Gravid and all the other writers -
Just wondering if you checked out the RoseDog site for writers/publishers/agents?
It's a pretty cool (and free) place to share your writing. If you post something there, or there's somewhere else to read your work,let me know and I'll check it out.
ferncrestmotel
[ edited by ferncrestmotel on Dec 14, 2002 06:48 PM ]
posted on December 17, 2002 09:06:12 PM new
Hey!!! I got on the Front Page Once, twice, three times,.....and in the Editorial column too. and another time but I forget what that was even for now. And!!!! once on the Radio! and! Now that I really think about it,,,,,in two Movies......And,,,,,but who cares.....We did it and that's all that matters....1 in millions......billions......
edited to say,,,,,Yup,Us Californians is a special breed....Hollywood.......
Whhhhhhiiiiiiip It,,,,,,Whip it GOOD!
[ edited by FETISH128 on Dec 17, 2002 09:09 PM ]
posted on December 17, 2002 09:48:01 PM new
I was directed to check out another site. If you don't mind reading some uh, rough work go to
http://www.redpencil.net
Some of these sites are for seeking help. This one it's more like major rehab'. No way to take work off that I can see after you submit it also.
posted on December 20, 2002 04:48:27 AM new
My wife and I sing musicals as we drive long distance. We had a couple from England over and they took a long ride with us to go out to dinner, and my wife broke out with My Fair Lady with no warning. Turns out they both knew all the words and then they started on Kismet and were astonished we knew that. As they said when we went in for dinner: "And they looked so normal."
posted on December 20, 2002 05:27:56 AM new
Cute story, gravid. We know a couple who also spend their commute time singing. They're pretty good too.
ewora - That's great. A gentleman who worked for my husband sang in a barbershop quartet. Anytime they were giving a benefit performance we'd go. It was always enjoyable to listen to the 'ranges' in their voices.
