Sunday, September 15, 2013
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Friday, September 13, 2013
Relentlessly readable, highly atmospheric, sharply and often arrestingly written—Barron’s prose style resembles, by turns, a high-flown Jim Thompson mixed with a pulp Barry Hannah—and situated in a dizzying assortment of precision-built worlds, Barron’s productions (30 pages on average) more nearly resemble novellas than tales.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Now, THIS is interesting
A post at GoodEReader.com shows results of a survey of British travellers: they'd rather haul paper books on holiday than an e-reader (not just sort of either: 71%!)
The full post.**
This is fascinating! You'd think the most logical place to use an e-reader would be on holiday. It has all the advantages: you can take a lot of books without weighing down a suitcase; you can take a variety of titles. And yet, there it is: they "like the feel of a real book"
Well, me too.
I had a Kindle for reading manuscripts. When it broke or wore out after three years, I didn't replace it. I actually went back to reading manuscripts on my laptop and editing on paper as often now as I do on screen.
And I read paper books. I have a gazillion e-titles somewhere on my laptop. I've read about three of them.
For a long time I thought I was just an old fogey. (Get off my publishing lawn you electronic urchins!) Maybe there are a lot more of us out there.
Are you reading ebooks more than paper?
What do you pack on vacation?
The full post.**
This is fascinating! You'd think the most logical place to use an e-reader would be on holiday. It has all the advantages: you can take a lot of books without weighing down a suitcase; you can take a variety of titles. And yet, there it is: they "like the feel of a real book"
Well, me too.
I had a Kindle for reading manuscripts. When it broke or wore out after three years, I didn't replace it. I actually went back to reading manuscripts on my laptop and editing on paper as often now as I do on screen.
And I read paper books. I have a gazillion e-titles somewhere on my laptop. I've read about three of them.
For a long time I thought I was just an old fogey. (Get off my publishing lawn you electronic urchins!) Maybe there are a lot more of us out there.
Are you reading ebooks more than paper?
What do you pack on vacation?
**hat tip to ShelfAwareness for the link!
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
How could you not know that!?
This past weekend the evil overlords of the MTA decided the L-train would not be running to my stop. Shuttle buses would be provided.
Okedokey, I've done this, I know how this works.
I'm on the street corner brushed and polished toting my bag o'tricks at 7:45am. Saturday mind you. 7:45am.
There are 20 people waiting with me. FIVE shuttle buses roll by before one comes that has any squeeze-in room at all. I get on, hang from the ceiling with my special Spider-Man shark gloves and off we go.
At the end of the line, the bus stops. A few people sort of start to get off but a lot just stand in the doorway. I say "This is the end of the line. Get off the bus." My tone might be three shades on the wrong side of "how the hell can you NOT know this." Obviously, the bus is at the Lorimer stop, and this is where the train starts running again. It's always like this.
We all clamber off, dive down the subway stairs, get on the train. It's nowhere near packed (which gives you an idea of how many people take the train: five busloads of people and the trains feel almost empty.)
The train doors close, and off we go.
At the very next stop, I see a train across the platform. Aha! I know this trick. The train on the other side goes back and forth to Manhattan, while the train on my side shuttles between Lorimer and Bedford. I remember this from the last time we did this little dance.
So I face the doors, and when they open, I leap out, zip across the platform, grab an empty seat and pat myself on the back for being such a smart, savvy New York train rider. Yes oh yes, I am the cat's jammies AND a bag of chips.
Except the train I'm now on doesn't move. The doors don't close. No one else is getting ON this train.
And across the platform, on the train I just exited comes the recorded announcement "Next stop Manhattan."
And I watch the train pull out of the station in the direction I want to be going.
Sharks! I leap off the train.
The train I've just exited closes its doors and heads off in the direction I don't want to go.
I sit on the platform for about three minutes before it dawns on me that I am now waiting for the train I just exited. It will go one stop, and then reverse direction. Only one track is functional at the Lorimer stop. When it comes back to the station where I'm now sitting, it will be full of the people who got off the next round of shuttle buses. If I'd simply stayed on that train, I'd have a seat.
How could I not have known that?
I could almost hear God laughing at the very sharp lesson in hubris I'd needed AGAIN. Those folks on the bus at the last shuttle stop would never know it but man I felt bad for that tone of voice I'd used.
And as always this is a reminder to me that things I think are obvious (how to query, how publishing works or doesn't, how to format a manuscript) are not all that obvious until you've tried doing it a couple times. And even then, sometimes you can outsmart yourself.
Have you learned any lessons repeatedly?
Okedokey, I've done this, I know how this works.
I'm on the street corner brushed and polished toting my bag o'tricks at 7:45am. Saturday mind you. 7:45am.
There are 20 people waiting with me. FIVE shuttle buses roll by before one comes that has any squeeze-in room at all. I get on, hang from the ceiling with my special Spider-Man shark gloves and off we go.
At the end of the line, the bus stops. A few people sort of start to get off but a lot just stand in the doorway. I say "This is the end of the line. Get off the bus." My tone might be three shades on the wrong side of "how the hell can you NOT know this." Obviously, the bus is at the Lorimer stop, and this is where the train starts running again. It's always like this.
We all clamber off, dive down the subway stairs, get on the train. It's nowhere near packed (which gives you an idea of how many people take the train: five busloads of people and the trains feel almost empty.)
The train doors close, and off we go.
At the very next stop, I see a train across the platform. Aha! I know this trick. The train on the other side goes back and forth to Manhattan, while the train on my side shuttles between Lorimer and Bedford. I remember this from the last time we did this little dance.
So I face the doors, and when they open, I leap out, zip across the platform, grab an empty seat and pat myself on the back for being such a smart, savvy New York train rider. Yes oh yes, I am the cat's jammies AND a bag of chips.
Except the train I'm now on doesn't move. The doors don't close. No one else is getting ON this train.
And across the platform, on the train I just exited comes the recorded announcement "Next stop Manhattan."
And I watch the train pull out of the station in the direction I want to be going.
Sharks! I leap off the train.
The train I've just exited closes its doors and heads off in the direction I don't want to go.
I sit on the platform for about three minutes before it dawns on me that I am now waiting for the train I just exited. It will go one stop, and then reverse direction. Only one track is functional at the Lorimer stop. When it comes back to the station where I'm now sitting, it will be full of the people who got off the next round of shuttle buses. If I'd simply stayed on that train, I'd have a seat.
How could I not have known that?
I could almost hear God laughing at the very sharp lesson in hubris I'd needed AGAIN. Those folks on the bus at the last shuttle stop would never know it but man I felt bad for that tone of voice I'd used.
And as always this is a reminder to me that things I think are obvious (how to query, how publishing works or doesn't, how to format a manuscript) are not all that obvious until you've tried doing it a couple times. And even then, sometimes you can outsmart yourself.
Have you learned any lessons repeatedly?
Monday, September 09, 2013
Best advice I've seen in a while
I recently clicked a link from @agent_ayesha (Ayesha Pande) that she posted with "Yes, yes, and yes. Read this please, dear aspiring literary fiction writers."
She was oh-so-right.
Here's one section of the article with my strikeouts.
Here's the entire article. I read it and I'd like to have it be required reading for every author. I might just start linking to it in my redirection emails (née rejection emails)
Would this article have helped you when you were starting out?
She was oh-so-right.
Here's one section of the article with my strikeouts.
Your Job
You, of course, are a writer. Let’s say you are just starting to send out. You are thinking, Am I any good? Will this make people I love believe I’m worthwhile? Is that thirdparagraphchapter unnecessary as R said in workshop, but I still like it, and if I keep it, and mystorynovel gets published then that will show R, but what if R is right after all? Is this my first step to fame and glory? Am I a genius? Am I in fact too good for thismagazineagent I’m sending to or not good enough? Am I an idiot? Will my parents stop suggesting other jobs I could do given my education? Will strangers want to sleep with me because of my prose? Etc. etc.
None of this is of interest to theeditor. agent. Remember theeditor’sagent's deepest wish: Send something perfect for us, please.
So your job is to help theeditoragent by sending work that is developed, complete, thoroughly revised, and—of great importance—appropriate for the magazine.(Not as applicable to agent lists as it is to magazine subs)
To do that last part of your job well, you have to read the magazines.
Yes, you do.
Not long ago, within a few days, three aspiring writers stopped me (in the office, in the parking lot, and at an airport gate) to ask: “Where should I send my story which is over 20,000 words long?” “Where should I send my work where it will be accepted as fast as possible? The agent I approached about my novel says I have to have a track record.” “What magazine likes grown-up fables that are a little weird?”
They were asking for a shortcut. It’s natural to want one, when you feel small in a big unknown world, and impatient, wanting results immediately. But I said, to each: “You can’t expect to be a professional if you don’t do your own homework.”
Here's the entire article. I read it and I'd like to have it be required reading for every author. I might just start linking to it in my redirection emails (née rejection emails)
Would this article have helped you when you were starting out?
Sunday, September 08, 2013
Saturday, September 07, 2013
watch it lobster!
Even the shelf animals want to get their arms on an ARC of RUNNER the new high octane thriller by Patrick Lee (due out Feb 2014)
One of my favorite blurb on this book:
"If Jack Reacher ever decides to retire, I know a guy named Sam Dryden." --Dan Krokos
Want to see for yourself?
Here are the first three chapters
Be Patrick's Facebook Friend!
 |
| Hannah The Amazing (godsend to the stars!) contemplating lobster stew! |
One of my favorite blurb on this book:
"If Jack Reacher ever decides to retire, I know a guy named Sam Dryden." --Dan Krokos
Want to see for yourself?
Here are the first three chapters
Be Patrick's Facebook Friend!
Friday, September 06, 2013
Meowmazing!
Sorche Fairbank, one of my most treasured colleagues has an amazing ability to spot interesting and unusual books. Her office shelf (I should snap a photo next time I'm there!) is a treasure trove of books I've loved.
The latest book is Whiskerslist: the kitty classifieds!
I love this book so much I'd purr if sharks could.
Angie Bailey the author was kind enough to include an entry from me as well so the book is extra fun (when you buy it, you'll know which one it is.)
The latest book is Whiskerslist: the kitty classifieds!
I love this book so much I'd purr if sharks could.
Angie Bailey the author was kind enough to include an entry from me as well so the book is extra fun (when you buy it, you'll know which one it is.)
160 hilarious classified ads written for cats, by cats, whiskerslist reveals the inner lives of our favorite furry friends like never before. With categories ranging from "Personals" and "Gigs" to "Lost & Found" and "Help Wanted," the varied posts in this entertaining cat community provide an imaginative and entertaining look into what cats are really up to when left alone.
Thursday, September 05, 2013
日本ありがとう
It's always fun to see other language editions of books I've sold, particularly the ones published in Japan. Here's CRASHERS by Dana Haynes (the book in the background is his new one ICE COLD KILL!)
Notice the size? I'm not sure if this is the standard size in Japan but they're wonderful to hold and remarkably easy to read.
And of course because Japanese is read right to left the binding is on the right side and the book opens "backwards" to our way of thinking.
CRASHERS for those of you who haven't read it yet:
Follow Dana on Twitter: @DanaHaynes
Notice the size? I'm not sure if this is the standard size in Japan but they're wonderful to hold and remarkably easy to read.
And of course because Japanese is read right to left the binding is on the right side and the book opens "backwards" to our way of thinking.
CRASHERS for those of you who haven't read it yet:
Whenever a plane goes down, a “Go Team” is assembled to investigate. The members of that team—each a leading expert in a specific field—are known as Crashers.
Portland, Oregon: A passenger plane has gone down. Enter NTSB investigator and pathologoist “Tommy” Tomzak who leads his team—a voice recorder specialist, bomb expert, engineer, mechanic, pilot, and crime scene specialist among them—to grapple with the evidence.
Usually the Crashers have months to determine the cause of a crash. But this time it’s different: The plane appears to have been brought down deliberately. The enemy might be one of their own. And an off-site operative who made a name for herself in Israeli intelligence has just made a catastrophic discovery: In less than three days, terror will strike the U.S. airways yet again…
Follow Dana on Twitter: @DanaHaynes
Wednesday, September 04, 2013
Talk about bad recon work!
Yesterday was my first day back from vacation.
I'd spent most of Monday weeding the inbox down to a managable number and creating a To Do list to choke a shark.
Got to the office at the crack of yawn to start in.
And realized it's pub day for the new Jack Reacher novel.
The novel that is sitting here on my desk, tempting me. Tormenting me.
What kind of idiot was I to come back on pub day for the latest Lee Child novel?
I'd spent most of Monday weeding the inbox down to a managable number and creating a To Do list to choke a shark.
Got to the office at the crack of yawn to start in.
And realized it's pub day for the new Jack Reacher novel.
The novel that is sitting here on my desk, tempting me. Tormenting me.
What kind of idiot was I to come back on pub day for the latest Lee Child novel?
Tuesday, September 03, 2013
On behalf of all sharks everywhere
Congratulations
the first person to successfully swim with us from Havana to Florida.
You reminded us:
Never give up!
You're never too old!
It looks like a solitary sport but it takes a team!
All things we think well worth remembering.
Monday, September 02, 2013
I ♥ Mayor Mike!
His five tips on becoming a successful entrepreneur are posted in my office.
They translate nicely to the writing world too.
Here's the article.
They translate nicely to the writing world too.
Here's the article.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Monday, August 26, 2013
Gone Fishin' Writing Contest results!
The last contest of the summer brought out some great entries!
Herewith the results:
Herewith the results:
Special recognition for winning the 2013 Claymore Award at
Killer Nashville for best unpublished manuscript (which has nothing to do with
this contest but is nonetheless VERY cool!)
Terri Lynn Coop
Special recognition for a clever use of one of the words:
JD Paradise 10:17am Queensrÿche
Madseasongirl 8:32am deification
Special recognition for use of "reticule" not to
mention the wonderful "iSpell"
Kate Higgins 10:22am
Special recognition for failing to observe an ironclad rule of
novel writing:
Do.Not.Kill.A.Cat
donnaeverhart.com 10:44am
Special recognition for minimalism:
Colin Smith 11:45am "Beautiful rental cat. Downtown Queens"
Special recognition for a great line:
Brian Wethington 12:19pm
The Prince of Darkness stopped typing and peered over his
glasses at Stan
k.kellie edwards 1:08pm
Six foot four and wrapped in white satin, shouldered that cat
like a damn mink stole.
Gammerlo 3:54pm
I picked up the cat I had leased from Schrodinger's Rental
Carolynnwith2ns 4:32pm
I took Beretta, my beautiful best friend with me
Special recognition for a great setup:
Elissa Hunter 12:35pm
It took Derek a few weeks before he realized that the
beautiful women swanning around downtown NYC weren't women at all. It was even
longer before he realized he was one of them.
Entries that cracked me up completely:
Just me 11:48am
Not quite a story but a great set up for one:
Scott G 8:56am
Not quite a story but just glorious imagery
Madeline Mora-Summonte 2:42pm
LynnRodz 6:49am
Not quite a story, but holymoly talk about evocative
Debra Giuffrida 6:26pm
Shaunna 1:04am
Fiercely Yours 3:29pmShaunna 1:04am
Always great to learn new words!
Kathryn Leonard-Peck 5:15pm clowder of cats
CED 7:21pm pelagic, catafalque
Special recognition for particularly mortifying "been there, done that"
Tanisha Payne 5:31pm
Holy crap, I’ve been salivating after a priest.
Special recognition for one of the most disturbing entries in
the history of this contest (and I mean that in the best possible way)
Lenny Liang 2:41pm
And here are the seven finalists:
(1) Steve Forti 10:08am
The staging looked great. Very pricey, but the rented
furniture gave the house a beautiful upscale look. Lots of natural light,
manicured lawn, just blocks from downtown. This place should sell no problem.
Lucy paced a final walkthrough. Oriental rugs, plush black leather couch. Antique cherry desk dominating the office. California king in the master, queens in the other two bedrooms. Hardwood floors downstairs. Tasteful paintings arranged on the walls. Hell, even the rental cat purred softly on the window sill.
Yes, this place looked great. Now if only she could get rid of all the blood.
And the poltergeist.
Lucy paced a final walkthrough. Oriental rugs, plush black leather couch. Antique cherry desk dominating the office. California king in the master, queens in the other two bedrooms. Hardwood floors downstairs. Tasteful paintings arranged on the walls. Hell, even the rental cat purred softly on the window sill.
Yes, this place looked great. Now if only she could get rid of all the blood.
And the poltergeist.
(2) JD Paradise 10:17am
Maria had parental aspirations. Downtown hipster single mommy
swaddling her lovie in a strictly-ironic Queensrÿche tee. Two against the
world, no-one else admitted.
Beautiful dream, right? Beautiful fucking dream.
Reality was a hideous hairy bundle of caterwauling outrage spewing shit six times a day. Barely stopped screaming long enough to suck her boobs flat. Forget work. Dating. Life. Everything was Oscar.
Maria tried ignoring him. Starving him. Beating him.
One day she just walked. Dumped him in the trash. He's lived there ever since.
Scratch that.
I've lived there. Me.
And you wonder why I'm grouchy?
You fucking Muppet.
Beautiful dream, right? Beautiful fucking dream.
Reality was a hideous hairy bundle of caterwauling outrage spewing shit six times a day. Barely stopped screaming long enough to suck her boobs flat. Forget work. Dating. Life. Everything was Oscar.
Maria tried ignoring him. Starving him. Beating him.
One day she just walked. Dumped him in the trash. He's lived there ever since.
Scratch that.
I've lived there. Me.
And you wonder why I'm grouchy?
You fucking Muppet.
(3) French sojourn 11:18am
NASA projected the point of impact to be downtown Cairns in
Queensland, Australia. Unfortunately the asteroid flattened its trajectory and
lit up the atmosphere like aurora borealis on crack… one last beautiful sunset
for humanity.
When the asteroid broke into thousands of guided meteorites, the results were catastrophic…all the major cities were razed. Then… they attacked...hell bent from above.
Mortally wounded, Mother Nature capitulated… giving up her parental obligations to a godforsaken planet.
Eve and I escaped to Red Rock One and watched, on the lone satellite feed, as they harvested everyone, except us.
Then they left…so we’re starting over…again.
When the asteroid broke into thousands of guided meteorites, the results were catastrophic…all the major cities were razed. Then… they attacked...hell bent from above.
Mortally wounded, Mother Nature capitulated… giving up her parental obligations to a godforsaken planet.
Eve and I escaped to Red Rock One and watched, on the lone satellite feed, as they harvested everyone, except us.
Then they left…so we’re starting over…again.
(4) Artie Beltza 1:47pm
“I don’t watch much on the tv, you know? Life’s short, know
what I mean? I go more for the PBS. You know, like the Downtown Abbey.”
“Downton,” she said, finally looking at him instead of the line for the ladies’ room or her own finger tracing the rim of her highball.
“What?”
“It’s Downton.”
“Beautiful,” he exhaled. “Fuck.”
This was going about as well as a catamite interviewing to be a queen’s consort. He wondered if the tux place would give him some sort of partial discount on an early return of his rental.
“Downton,” she said, finally looking at him instead of the line for the ladies’ room or her own finger tracing the rim of her highball.
“What?”
“It’s Downton.”
“Beautiful,” he exhaled. “Fuck.”
This was going about as well as a catamite interviewing to be a queen’s consort. He wondered if the tux place would give him some sort of partial discount on an early return of his rental.
(5) Jared X 2:18pm
Stay behind me. Walk where I walk. Downtown is treacherous after dark. It’s also strangely beautiful with the right guide.
Say nothing.
See that calico near the hydrant? Ever seen a stray so clean? See how she watches us, not the rats feasting in the street like kings and queens? That’s no cat. They know you’re here. Let me guess: you charged your rental car. Nobody listens. We need to get inside. I have a loft here, upstairs. Wait outside while I scout the lobby.
Okay, this is where we part ways. Retrace our steps. I’m sure you’ll be fine.
Say nothing.
See that calico near the hydrant? Ever seen a stray so clean? See how she watches us, not the rats feasting in the street like kings and queens? That’s no cat. They know you’re here. Let me guess: you charged your rental car. Nobody listens. We need to get inside. I have a loft here, upstairs. Wait outside while I scout the lobby.
Okay, this is where we part ways. Retrace our steps. I’m sure you’ll be fine.
(6) Lance 4:59pm
“Dan, I have four queens, and you’re down to your last sock.”
An argyle sock slumped around the beige, plastic ankle.
“I know, Rachael. You’re good at poker. And beautiful, too.”
“Show me your cards, and let’s take this thing downtown.”
“How do you like my new leg? It’s a rental until I make up my mind.”
“It’s great. Are those cat scratches on it?”
“Well, Bugsy likes it, but those are knife scratches.”
“Knife scratches?”
“Yeah. The side here has a neat little slot for a knife. It blends right in.”
“Can I see?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
An argyle sock slumped around the beige, plastic ankle.
“I know, Rachael. You’re good at poker. And beautiful, too.”
“Show me your cards, and let’s take this thing downtown.”
“How do you like my new leg? It’s a rental until I make up my mind.”
“It’s great. Are those cat scratches on it?”
“Well, Bugsy likes it, but those are knife scratches.”
“Knife scratches?”
“Yeah. The side here has a neat little slot for a knife. It blends right in.”
“Can I see?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
(7) Myra King 6:06pm
I live downtown next door to an extreme cleaner. OCD, not
commercial. Sadie Badenoch. Sadbad we called her at school but she wasn't bad.
And before the gunman came she was cat sleek beautiful.
My rental-room looks into her kitchen. Six a.m. I see her cleaning to Queen's music. Mercury rising. Her house gleams like the stars.
Ten a.m., safe behind my impenetrable screen, I watch her prepare for outside. Living in the real world.
Keys jangle. Her hands dart round, up and down her front door's frame. Her ritual protection. Takes two hours before she leaves.
Wish I could.
And the winner is Myra King 6:06pm. One of the things I love about this entry is that it works on several levels. I read it at least five times and each time found something new to admire.
Myra, drop me an email (janet @ fineprintlit dot com) and we'll figure out what kind of prize to send you.
Thanks to all the writers who took time and creative energy to enter the contest. I loved reading what you wrote (even you Lenny!)
Congrats to all the winners.
This is the last contest of the summer. I've got a week's vacation coming up, and then it's back to work for the fall season.
My rental-room looks into her kitchen. Six a.m. I see her cleaning to Queen's music. Mercury rising. Her house gleams like the stars.
Ten a.m., safe behind my impenetrable screen, I watch her prepare for outside. Living in the real world.
Keys jangle. Her hands dart round, up and down her front door's frame. Her ritual protection. Takes two hours before she leaves.
Wish I could.
And the winner is Myra King 6:06pm. One of the things I love about this entry is that it works on several levels. I read it at least five times and each time found something new to admire.
Myra, drop me an email (janet @ fineprintlit dot com) and we'll figure out what kind of prize to send you.
Thanks to all the writers who took time and creative energy to enter the contest. I loved reading what you wrote (even you Lenny!)
Congrats to all the winners.
This is the last contest of the summer. I've got a week's vacation coming up, and then it's back to work for the fall season.
Friday, August 23, 2013
The Gone Fishin' Writing Contest
Vacation!
Yes indeed it's time to hang up the Gone Fishin' sign and retire to reading books instead of manuscripts, turn off the phone, and put a padlock on the email inbox!
To celebrate the start of a week off, let's have a writing contest!
Usual rules:
1. Write a story using 100 or fewer words.
2. Use the following words in the story
beautiful
downtown
queens
rental
cat
You must use the exact letters of the word in order, but the word can be part of a larger one:
Catch but not cart
rentals but not detrimental
3. Contest prize: to be determined.
4. Entries outside the US are ok (but if you're outside the US it may affect what I can
send you as a prize)
5. Contest opens Saturday August 24 at 10am. Closes Sunday August 25 at 10am.
6. Post your entry in the comment section of this blog post. Comments are closed
until the contest opens.
7. Judging is entirely subjective and subject to sharkly whim and whimsy.
Questions? Tweet to me @Janet_Reid (I'm not on twitter a lot right now so try to figure
out the answer to your question from the directions first)
Ready?
Set?
Not yet!
Write!
Too late! Contest now closed.
Yes indeed it's time to hang up the Gone Fishin' sign and retire to reading books instead of manuscripts, turn off the phone, and put a padlock on the email inbox!
To celebrate the start of a week off, let's have a writing contest!
Usual rules:
1. Write a story using 100 or fewer words.
2. Use the following words in the story
beautiful
downtown
queens
rental
cat
You must use the exact letters of the word in order, but the word can be part of a larger one:
Catch but not cart
rentals but not detrimental
3. Contest prize: to be determined.
4. Entries outside the US are ok (but if you're outside the US it may affect what I can
send you as a prize)
5. Contest opens Saturday August 24 at 10am. Closes Sunday August 25 at 10am.
6. Post your entry in the comment section of this blog post. Comments are closed
until the contest opens.
7. Judging is entirely subjective and subject to sharkly whim and whimsy.
Questions? Tweet to me @Janet_Reid (I'm not on twitter a lot right now so try to figure
out the answer to your question from the directions first)
Ready?
Set?
Too late! Contest now closed.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Powerful writing: an example
"Learning to love is a task for a lifetime. We get to spend our whole lives learning to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and learning to love our neighbors as ourselves."
That quote is from an article in the Huffington Post by Linda Robertson titled While Your Child Is Still Alive: A Letter to Parents Who Aren't Ready to March in the Pride Parade.
I'm linking to it here not to persuade you of her position but because it's an excellent example of powerful persuasive writing.
The very first sentence sets up the contrasts she'll use throughout the piece: I was once one of these parents, now I am not.
Then she gets to the heart of her piece, right there in the second paragraph: it's a luxury to have something to complain about. The very simplicity of that statement makes it powerful. And it applies to many more situations than her piece covers. That's what makes this essay work so well: it's about more than what she's writing about.
In the next paragraphs, she unfolds her story, making the point that she was once this, and now is not.
And then the glorious call and response rhythm of the eleven paragraphs that start "while your child is still alive." No one reading that could fail to imagine the unspoken, implicit message: your child could not be alive.
This essay is powerful because it makes the reader do the work. She lets us imagine ourselves in her shoes, and think about how we would feel.
I found myself cutting and pasting sentence after sentence into the list I keep of things I want to remember. The first two were the sentences I started this blog post with.
Did this piece resonate with you too?
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Ring of Fire
The love story of June Carter and Johnny Cash from This American Life.
Runs about 10 minutes (and is safe for work but there is music!)
Monday, August 19, 2013
It's a small world writing contest results!
I'm having so much fun with these! I hope you are too! I really love how inventive you're getting with words and form.
Herewith the results for this week's contest
Special recognition for inventive uses of prompt words!
These are the entries that weren't quite a story but close
Herewith the results for this week's contest
Special recognition for entries that gave me the shivers:
Elliot 10:02pm
Carolynnwith2Ns 10:22am
Curtis Moser 11:57pm
Special recognition for entries that experimented with form (a particular love of mine!):
Jaz 10:04am
Tara Tyler 10:30am (love love love this one but not quite a story)
Special recognition for entries that cracked me up:
Kitty 10:06am
Craig 10:16am
JD Paradise 11:13am
Kathryn Leonard-Peck 9:11am
Special recognition for entries with lines that really stand out:
French sojourn 10:39am
Are your pants around your ankles… are you balancing cashews
on your dick?
Because you’re fucking… nuts!
Because you’re fucking… nuts!
Tanisha Payne 7:40pm
There are 3 things my mother hates most: one of them is me.
Fiercely Yours 11:15pm
she was a Chum at three buckets tall, well above the
three-thimble requirement
Jenzie 9:39am
I wasn’t going to tell him more because I didn’t want him to
kill me.
Yet.
Yet.
Curt David 11:18am catechumen
Lenny Liang 12:16pm
Lenny Liang 12:16pm
These are the entries that weren't quite a story but close
Myra King 6:18pm
CHLamb 7:25pm
Here are the finalists:
(1) Claire Gregory 10:11am
I couldn’t help staring at his trailer whenever I mowed the
park lawns. Every window covered in tinfoil? Jesus. The old coot watched from a
lawn chair, can in hand, and his chainsaw voice ripped out. “Hey, chump! Pull
up your goddamned pants!”
One week, he wasn’t there. Inside, I found him sprawled in Hoarders paradise, gasping. Grinning. “Been waiting to kick the bucket since ’83.”
On the paisley walls hung framed business degrees. A wedding photo.
After the funeral, I crammed my MFA in the closet.
His last words were the first I typed. “Life’s what you make it.”
One week, he wasn’t there. Inside, I found him sprawled in Hoarders paradise, gasping. Grinning. “Been waiting to kick the bucket since ’83.”
On the paisley walls hung framed business degrees. A wedding photo.
After the funeral, I crammed my MFA in the closet.
His last words were the first I typed. “Life’s what you make it.”
(2) Sisi 10:17am
@newtonsbucket: Anybody hiring? Degrees in philosophy and
math. Can start today. #hardworker #needajob
@bigboy1009: **future employer pants with excitement** #sarcasm
@3some: chill dude come party with us
@newtonsbucket: C’mon tweetsters! Help me out. #needcash
@pawnthis: Need cash? We buy and sell high quality items. Visit us at pawnthis.com for more info
@invstmnts: Open your own business! Your dreams can come true! Click link for details. Makingmoney.com/2eGY38v
@snowflake: Aw poor baby. Pic.twitter.com/9o6lx5JCheer up :-) #missyou
@newtonsbucket: Seriously, I’ll take any job anything getting desperate here
@jaxrwild: Texas Hold’em tonite. You in?
@kneecapper: 2 more days, chump. See you soon
@bigboy1009: **future employer pants with excitement** #sarcasm
@3some: chill dude come party with us
@newtonsbucket: C’mon tweetsters! Help me out. #needcash
@pawnthis: Need cash? We buy and sell high quality items. Visit us at pawnthis.com for more info
@invstmnts: Open your own business! Your dreams can come true! Click link for details. Makingmoney.com/2eGY38v
@snowflake: Aw poor baby. Pic.twitter.com/9o6lx5JCheer up :-) #missyou
@newtonsbucket: Seriously, I’ll take any job anything getting desperate here
@jaxrwild: Texas Hold’em tonite. You in?
@kneecapper: 2 more days, chump. See you soon
(3) Steven 11:29am
My heart stopped 3 minutes ago. My vibrantly youthful wife
tossed my wasting body beyond the brass railing like chum from a bloody bucket.
Sea temperatures of forty-degrees consume me long before any great beasts can
feast.
Actually, the private anniversary excursion had been my proposal. A two-year confinement in our home, as Lou Gehrig’s leisurely yet diligently ravaged my muscles, makes a man yearn for salty air.
Embedded pain finally retreats as crimson sludge stills in my paper veins. I now want to halt this irrevocable release as my flickering synapses recall the suicide note’s still in my pants.
Actually, the private anniversary excursion had been my proposal. A two-year confinement in our home, as Lou Gehrig’s leisurely yet diligently ravaged my muscles, makes a man yearn for salty air.
Embedded pain finally retreats as crimson sludge stills in my paper veins. I now want to halt this irrevocable release as my flickering synapses recall the suicide note’s still in my pants.
(4) Amy Schaefer 3:33pm
“I got 3 degrees of
stinking chum bucket on my pants!”
Two pristine figures led the sooty child away. The little boy’s eyes rolled like marbles.
“Robbie were always that way.” Bernice stuffed another cigarette in her wrinkled mouth. “Child Services paid extra fer broken ones.”
“You left him in the fire?”
“I don’t get paid t’be Wonder Woman. Where’ll they send my checks now?”
“No more checks, Bernice.” I opened the door behind me. The sudden heat blasted her cigarette to ashes. A biting, burning horde swarmed the screaming woman. “Welcome to hell, madam.”
I do love my job.
Two pristine figures led the sooty child away. The little boy’s eyes rolled like marbles.
“Robbie were always that way.” Bernice stuffed another cigarette in her wrinkled mouth. “Child Services paid extra fer broken ones.”
“You left him in the fire?”
“I don’t get paid t’be Wonder Woman. Where’ll they send my checks now?”
“No more checks, Bernice.” I opened the door behind me. The sudden heat blasted her cigarette to ashes. A biting, burning horde swarmed the screaming woman. “Welcome to hell, madam.”
I do love my job.
(5) S.C.Kirk 10:54pm
I dropped the bucket of "chum" in the pool, shocking
the pearl and linen draped guests. The penguined waiter crashed a tray of
Bellinis; champagne splashed the pants of bow-tied men. My wife lasered her
eyes, heating my skin to 3 hundred degrees. "I know about you and
Phil," I shouted. "Just like our wedding. You ruin everything,"
she hissed. In my departure, a razor-nosed woman remarked, "Wonder where
he got the chum." I passed through the stables, stalled by the wood
chipper, and trailed my finger in blood still dripping from the blade. That
ain't chum, lady. That's Phil.
(6) Terri Lynn Coop 1:09am
Jocks are such losers. Chum the waters with girls in librarian
glasses and their wallets fly out of their pants.
Cal Poly costs a bucket of cash. Bartending here dropped my GPA to 3.98, but it's worth it. My tech degrees are paying off.
These uncredible hulks don’t realize that every time they flip their credit card I hack a buck into my account.
Hang on.
“Ten beers? VISA or Mastercard? Yeah, I’m from Poly. Wow. You’re funny.”
Where was I?
Revenge is sweet and profitable. It's not my fault they’re too dumb to beware of geeks bearing grifts.
Cal Poly costs a bucket of cash. Bartending here dropped my GPA to 3.98, but it's worth it. My tech degrees are paying off.
These uncredible hulks don’t realize that every time they flip their credit card I hack a buck into my account.
Hang on.
“Ten beers? VISA or Mastercard? Yeah, I’m from Poly. Wow. You’re funny.”
Where was I?
Revenge is sweet and profitable. It's not my fault they’re too dumb to beware of geeks bearing grifts.
(7) Scott G 8:09am
I’m watching.
She slinks into apartment 3B. The one I’m in right now. She doesn’t know I’m here.
I’m watching.
She slips off her shoes and proceeds into varying degrees of undress. Her blouse. Her pants. A robe.
I’m watching.
She fills a bucket with water and bleach. She opens the bathroom door. A layer of bloody chum covers the walls and floor. I gasp. She stops and turns her head.
I’m watching.
She smiles and two-steps into the kitchen. A convenient knife lies on the counter. She grabs it as she passes by. She finds me.
I’m next.
And the winner is : Sisi 10:17am for a masterpiece of form and story telling and hilarity all in one.
Sisi, drop me and email and let me know what you like to read. We'll figure out a great prize for a great entry.
Thanks to all who entered. This was a great deal of fun! Next contest will be next weekend!
She slinks into apartment 3B. The one I’m in right now. She doesn’t know I’m here.
I’m watching.
She slips off her shoes and proceeds into varying degrees of undress. Her blouse. Her pants. A robe.
I’m watching.
She fills a bucket with water and bleach. She opens the bathroom door. A layer of bloody chum covers the walls and floor. I gasp. She stops and turns her head.
I’m watching.
She smiles and two-steps into the kitchen. A convenient knife lies on the counter. She grabs it as she passes by. She finds me.
I’m next.
And the winner is : Sisi 10:17am for a masterpiece of form and story telling and hilarity all in one.
Sisi, drop me and email and let me know what you like to read. We'll figure out a great prize for a great entry.
Thanks to all who entered. This was a great deal of fun! Next contest will be next weekend!
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