Speculations : The Rumor Mill : Kent Brewster : Sign In, Please

Topic 21 was started on 1997-11-21. There are 1058 messages available to read.

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Message 1058 was left by SarahP on 2002-09-22 09:56:10. Feedback: 0/0 Thanks for the welcome! Marsha (hi, Marsha!) scolded me for being a wimp about writing a novel. Well...the short stories are the baby steps. Once I get the basics figured out I'll try dancing. But thanks for the encouragement. Thanks to Elaine, too, for the kind words about my class! See you all around!

Message 1057 was left by Elaine Freeland on 2002-09-21 18:02:12. Feedback: 0/0 Sarah, nice to meet you! And oh I envy your students so much. I'd give everything to be able to _forget_ The Lord of the Rings and to read it anew, to feel that thrill once again. Lucky bastards! They must be really lucky to have you guide them. Elaine

Message 1056 was left by Marsha Sisolak on 2002-09-21 17:11:10. Feedback: 0/0 Sarah! All I can say is it's about time! We've been waiting for you. And since you're a teacher, give yourself permission to be a learner about that novel. No one expects a learner to be able to do something perfectly the first time out! Gregory's absolutely right. Now go check out Charlie's topic and write something off-topic and silly there. ;)

Message 1055 was left by Gregory Koster on 2002-09-21 16:21:06. Feedback: 0/0 For Sarah: Glad to see you. I object to the part about your refusing to write a novel until you can avoid embarrassing yourself. All you can do is write the very best you can. To be ashamed of early attempts is silly. Are you ashamed of falling on your face as a baby while learning how to walk? Did you wait until you felt sure of "not embarrassing yourself" before you tried? Nonsense! You robustly made the attempt, fell on your face a lot, and eventually learned to walk, and even walk with style grace and savoir faire. I have long agreed with John Cheever's dictum that writing is not a competitive sport. So too, here. Hope to see you in Rejection/Acceptance Log soon, embarassing rejections and enthusiastic acceptances. Best regards, Gregory Koster

Message 1054 was left by SarahP on 2002-09-21 15:47:48. Feedback: 0/0 Hi all, Coming out of lurk mode... I'm Sarah Prineas. Here are some things about me: I write fantasy short stories, though there's a novel in me somewhere, which I will write when I learn enough about writing to avoid embarrassing myself. My stories have appeared online at Ideomancer and at Strange Horizons. Ummmm.... Let's see. I have a PhD in English Lit and I'm teaching a seminar this semester at the University of Iowa on Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature. Now that is a fun class! Of my 17 students, 12 have never read The Fellowship of the Ring and some of them are simply glowing with delight during our discussions of that novel. New converts! On the personal side, I'm married to a physicist who reads everything I write, and we have two small children. Nice to meet you all! SarahP

Message 1053 was left by Elaine Freeland on 2002-09-19 11:59:55. Feedback: 0/0 ...And SORRY I misspelled your name! :-(( Thanks again, dear Amy!

Message 1052 was left by Elaine Freeland on 2002-09-19 11:58:58. Feedback: 0/0 THanks a lot, Emy, nice to meet you!

Message 1051 was left by Amy Sisson on 2002-09-19 09:36:36. Feedback: 0/0 Elaine, I completely agree -- fiction is a zillion times harder than nonfiction. I do lots of nonfiction writing at my day job -- argumentative letters, training manuals, newsletters, etc. Everyone has always praised that writing. I also do some freelance encyclopedia articles and book reviewing. So when I went to Clarion (West), one of my co-workers said, "Why are you doing that? You already know how to write! Are they paying you to go?" Needless to say, he thought I was insane when I told him what I was paying to go! Nice to "meet" you! -- Amy

Message 1050 was left by Elaine Freeland on 2002-09-18 17:17:34. Feedback: 0/0 Sorry, guys -- better late than never... I'd no idea RM had an introduction board. But I've been lurking and posting for, Jeez, nearly a year! -- so I know many people here already and hope to meet many more. I should be ashamed, in fact: I'm SUPPOSED to be writing F/SF/magic realism, etc, and indeed I have too many unfinished first drafts to be happy about it. But I also write non-fiction -- articles, essays, etc, -- and that's the stuff that pays the bills. So I spend all day researching yet another historical or theological article and then add a ti-iny paragraph to my _real_ writing in the evening. But at least I write daily, even if all the wrong stuff, and that's already something, isn't it? :-) Fiction writing is WAY harder. I have no problem publishing non-fiction -- I had two rejections in the last three years, and only because I under-researched the markets, lazy bitch -- but I still run around like a headless chicken improving the few stories I managed to finish and only collect positive personal rejections. I'd love to know what exactly I'm doing wrong! That's my story... hello again to all the people I already know and I look forward to meeting more colleagues here. Thanks for listening! :-) Elaine

Message 1049 was left by Thomas Ecclestone on 2002-09-18 03:44:00. Feedback: 0/0 Welcome, Noelle!

Message 1048 was left by Noelle on 2002-09-12 13:21:23. Feedback: 0/0 Hey! I found this board while looking for advice on "writing fight scenes" - I'm working on my novel (but who here isn't?) - I'm a freelance writer(but they used to call us "journalists" because I have not writen stories... I wrote "articles") who has been published in mags and online, but I want to be a "novelist" - or at least a "storyteller" - thanks in advance for the welcome :D

Message 1047 was left by Amy Sisson on 2002-09-09 13:49:46. Feedback: 0/0 Gregory, Thanks for the welcome. Nice to know there are other librarians hanging out here! Thanks for the advice re: avoiding Stevens County, WA. Actually, I will be following my husband to wherever he gets a job upon completion of his Ph.D. He works on spectral analysis of the composition of near-Earth asteroids, including potential hazards. Kind of a narrow field, so we won't be able to be choosy.... BUT if I had my first choice of jobs... probably tech services in an academic library. (Yes, I think I want to be a cataloging geek.) I am just finishing my required internship, which is in Serials.... the worst kind of cataloging geekdom! Take care, Amy

Message 1046 was left by Gregory Koster on 2002-09-09 10:23:32. Feedback: 0/0 For Amy: Ah, yet another recruit to join me, Hillary Moon Murphy, Mindy Klasky and probably some others I've forgotten to my eternal disgrace here in the ranks of the chain gang known as librarians, Terran branch. My advice for your MLS future: stay the heck away from Stevens County Washington, where an enterprising real estate agent has come up with the formula for increasing real estate values in the county: abolish the library and save all the sweating taxpayers maybe $38 per annum. Really. Believe it or not. Thank God someone is managing to outdo us Californians these days. OK, I suppose you are aspiring in the "SF" sense, but those encyc articles and reviews count for much on my scorecard. Hope to see you soon in the "Rejection/Acceptance" log. Best regards, Gregory Koster

Message 1045 was left by Amy Sisson on 2002-09-08 17:48:42. Feedback: 0/0 Hello! I've been lurking for about a month, enjoying some of the discussions and finding some handy info. Let's see, in daytime life I work as a Research Assistant for a labor union and am earning a Master's in Library Science, which I'll complete this December. In writing life, I am an aspiring SF writer with no sales as yet. I attended Clarion West 2000. I also write encyclopedia articles (Salem Press, Gale Research) and book reviews (NYRSF, VOYA, and Metroland) for pay. Looking forward to getting to know some of you regular RMers! -- Amy

Message 1044 was left by Jamie Rosen on 2002-09-08 12:59:34. Feedback: 0/0 Howdy, Matt. I hope you find the Mill useful in your endeavours. Congratulations on having your book published!

Message 1043 was left by afp on 2002-09-07 21:15:27. Feedback: 0/0 Hello

Message 1042 was left by Matt St. Amand on 2002-08-28 20:58:49. Feedback: 0/0 My name's Matt. I write mainstream fiction. My first book was recently published -- a collection of short stories titled As My Sparks Fly Upward. The stories are set in Windsor, Ontario, and in Dublin, Ireland, where I had lived for a couple of years. I'm new to promoting my work (all too used to having it rejected everywhere I send it!), so I'm hoping to pick up some pointers from those who are more experienced. I'm a captive audience.

Message 1041 was left by Gregory Koster on 2002-08-27 10:39:15. Feedback: 0/0 For Brett: You might also check the "Help This Librarian..." topic in the 'NETWORKING' folder. You may be able to sell a few more copies of your book that way. Best regards, Gregory Koster

Message 1040 was left by Evil Genius on 2002-08-25 21:49:24. Feedback: 0/0 Brett, check in the Theory folder for what you seek. Welcome to the board.

Message 1039 was left by Brett Blumfield on 2002-08-25 20:43:22. Feedback: 0/0 Greetings from far beyond the vast realm of that which is eerie and horrific. My name is Brett Blumfield, and I come to you as a novelist of the horror genre, bearing many images and nightmares for your mortal mind to grasp. I have been writing stories ever since I was nine years of age, and I wrote several more short stories over the years in my adulthood. I'm now at the brink of releasing my first published novel next month, and I'll be working on many more to come. I've always been a hard worker throughout my life, until September 2000, when I susstained a back injury that set me partially/permanently disabled, which now limits my movement to what I can do nowadays. I decided to stop working manual labor jobs and pursue my love and appreciation for writing a bit stronger. Being one of a hard worker, I put quite a lot of it into my writings. The pain, misery, fear, and hardship of a turbulent past are now put into novels and stories of the future, and it's the same type of stranglehold I keep on my characters. Each time a character is created and used in my work, I put my emotions, experiences, and heart into their own, so that I feel everything they feel. By doing so, I give my characters more of a vivid outcome. Most of my work also involves a twist of mystery and suspense, which ties in with the horrific content in my novels, keeping the mind of the reader active as they read along. I recently found The Rumor Mill a couple days ago, and I decided to take a chance and sign up. It'll be quite nice to be able to meet other writers, and to share tips and advice. Until next time, I'll see you on the darkside. >:-) -Brett Blumfield Author of the forthcoming novel "The Outer Realm" http://sonicblu.wereanimal.net/bblum

Message 1038 was left by Don Webb on 2002-08-22 17:42:23. Feedback: 0/0 Hey Kent, I'm looking into some bad agents here in Texas. I am working for the Writers' League of Texas right now. Best, Don Webb awl@writersleague.org Author of _Endless Honeymoon_

Message 1037 was left by Jamie Rosen on 2002-08-19 19:22:59. Feedback: 0/0 Howdy there, Shanna. Welcome to the Mill.

Message 1036 was left by shanna airey on 2002-08-19 18:48:10. Feedback: 0/0 Hello. It just occured to me today that, hey, why not look online for other writer, there may even be some people I can talk to out there about what's it like to be a writer. So I got online and here I am...Of course you know my name, I am 23 years old, and I have been writing seriously since 5th grade. I never wanted to limit myself and I have tried writing stories in all sorts of settings(i.e. westerns, romance), but my favorite, and the one I seem to do the best at, is medieval fiction. When I found your website, I thought it would be a good oppurtunity to meet similarly minded individuals, who also loved to write. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read this. Respectfully, Shanna

Message 1035 was left by Gregory Koster on 2002-08-12 12:32:27. Feedback: 0/0 For Nancy: Yes, but if it has a sunroof, I could sit on top, smoking a corncob pipe in the manner of Douglas MacArthur, snarling defiance at the rejecting eds as we bang along to fame, glory, and semi-pro paychecks.... For Carter: Gee, did you try Citigroup with those slips? After all the shenanigans they've pulled I'd think they'd jump at the chance to peddle such collateral to their customers. Hope to see you in the Rejection/Acceptance Log too. Best regards, Gregory Koster

Message 1034 was left by Nancy Caroline Beck on 2002-08-12 11:09:44. Feedback: 0/0 Re: #1029 Greg, Thanks for the encouragement. Just sent out my somewhat humorous urban fantasy story (2nd time around; was rejected months ago at Quantum Muse). As for the limo - hey! How about a stretch one? Then we can share it? Oops, no, that wouldn't work - my ego would be big enough to fill it! ;-)

Message 1033 was left by Carter Elliott on 2002-08-12 08:28:02. Feedback: 0/0 Books, both nf and novels, sold and several short stories, but no sf bites. Rejection notes have been encouraging but I've been informed they are invalid as collateral on a loan. (^o^)

Message 1032 was left by Terry Hickman on 2002-08-11 09:04:50. Feedback: 0/0 Hrmmm...I tried to put a link in that message and obviously I got something wrong, because everything past the first "less-than" sign got buried. Bah. OK, here's the finish, without the html: can I post it on my Light Bulb Alley (www.mirror.org/terry.hickman/Alley.htm)?

Message 1031 was left by Terry Hickman on 2002-08-10 20:04:32. Feedback: 0/0 Ooh, good idea, Terry B! John Stark, if you team up with Frank Tuttle and come up with cool rejectomancy, can I post it on my

Message 1030 was left by Terry Bramlett on 2002-08-09 22:07:27. Feedback: 0/0 Re: Message 1026 was left by John Stark on 2002-07-24 16:10:48 "I'm a cranky, nicotine-addicted, nefarious man who is seeking literary representation and publication...and is performing various acts of black magic unto all those who deny my greatness. Yes, I have delusions of grandeur as well. I'm also sick, twisted, crude and enjoy playing with sharp objects. Hopefully.. I'll fit right in here..." Fit in? John, you could be the poster boy. I'd love to hear you and FrankT get together and discuss the latest in rejectomancy spells.

Message 1029 was left by Gregory Koster on 2002-08-09 20:51:33. Feedback: 0/0 For Nancy: Hey, quit shoving. There's plenty of groupies, but only one limo, and the swimming pool is crowded yet again, because everyone is trying to escape the groupies... Anyway, the two weeks of writing every day is encouraging. Good work. Hope to see you soon the Rejection/Acceptance Log. Best regards, Gregory Koster

Message 1028 was left by Nancy Caroline Beck on 2002-08-09 16:01:04. Feedback: 0/0 Oy vey! I've been going on this site for a couple of years now, so I figured it was time to finally set up an account... I live in NJ, and have been writing for quite some time. Never seemed to set aside enough time to write. But I've finally licked that problem ::fingers crossed:: and have been writing every day for the past 2 weeks. [\begin sarcasm] I wanna finish this story so then I can get published right away and become a millionaire overnight! You know, with the limos and swimming pools and groupies... [\end sarcasm] Well...I can DREAM can't I? :-) NCB

Message 1027 was left by Renee on 2002-07-25 09:49:00. Feedback: 0/0 Renee puts her head down on her desk and laughs, then comes up and hands John Stark a shiny new pencil with a shiny new point. "You made my morning," she says, tactfully refusing to mention the 1000 words that already made her morning--aloud, anyway. "Welcome, John Stark!"

Message 1026 was left by John Stark on 2002-07-24 16:10:48. Feedback: 0/0 Hello. My name is John Stark. I'm an author of dark suspense novels, thrillers, horror, grocery lists, and rude notes to the garbage men. I won second place in two categories in the 2002 New Author Awards Competition (www.authorlink.com). Why not first place? It was a conspiracy I tell you. I'm a cranky, nicotine-addicted, nefarious man who is seeking literary representation and publication...and is performing various acts of black magic unto all those who deny my greatness. Yes, I have delusions of grandeur as well. I'm also sick, twisted, crude and enjoy playing with sharp objects. Hopefully.. I'll fit right in here... Thanks for having me =] --Stark

Message 1025 was left by Jae on 2002-07-24 11:02:05. Feedback: 0/0 LOL Renee. It must be great to have a writing bud like that. I'm not sure if the feeling I get from here is just that I need to write more, or that I need to write more so I can submit more so I can collect more rejections - and hopefully acceptances. I want to have things to report in the R/A topic. :)

Message 1024 was left by Renee on 2002-07-24 10:06:28. Feedback: 0/0 Terry Hickman: Thanks for the hellos, and don't worry, I won't hold your 'poor, struggling wannabe-ness' against you. Really! ;) Jae: Hi again! No, this place does not make me want to write more (that honor is given to a fellow I know in the local writer's group, who whips out stories the way I whip out my favorite soup recipe). What this place does is it makes me want to *sell* more. Sigh. Would that were as easy as the soup ....

Message 1023 was left by Terry Hickman on 2002-07-23 18:49:34. Feedback: 0/0 Hi Richard, welcome aboard! Have you checked out the Meet Me At the Con topic yet? If I'm not mistaken (I could be), some RMers were talking about ConJose over there.

Message 1022 was left by Richard Raucci on 2002-07-23 18:44:36. Feedback: 0/0 Hey there, I guess I should check in, myself. My name is Richard Raucci, I live in San Francisco, and I'm a writer. I used to write computer and technology books, then I decided to branch out into fiction. I have a fairly large SF collection, and I convinced Byron Priess to let me assemble and edit an Alfred Bester collection. It's called "Redemolished" and it came out from iBooks/Simon & Schuster in 2000. Paul DiFilippo gave it a nice review on SF Weekly. I've been bouncing stories off Gordon Van Gelder for over a year now, and I'm still trying to crack F&SF; through perserverance. I was an alternate for Clarion this year (with a nice letter from Lister Matheson), and I got accepted at Viable Paradise VI, for a portion of an SF novel called "The Solar Constant". I finshed the first draft of that book a couple of weeks ago and am planning to send to my agent Real Soon Now, though I don't know whether I want to send it out *before* it gets workshopped, or after. But can I wait till the end of September? I'm represented by Michael Psaltis at the Ethan Ellenberg Agency in New York. I went to a couple of World Cons/BayCons/LaCons as they came near San Francisco, and I also went down to the Nebulas in LA the year before last. I like to do at least 500-1000 words a day, though that does slip occasionally. I'm wondering if there will be a Rumor Mill get-together at ConJose this year. Good to meet y'all. Richard

Message 1021 was left by Jae on 2002-07-23 13:56:45. Feedback: 0/0 Hi Brian! Hi Renee! This is definitely a place that makes you want to write more. :-)

Message 1020 was left by Terry Hickman on 2002-07-23 09:29:10. Feedback: 0/0 Hi Brian, welcome to the RM! Keep checking in here, you'll find yourself swept along and pretty soon you'll have most of your doubts about writing cleared up one way or the other.

Message 1019 was left by brian on 2002-07-22 22:15:23. Feedback: 0/0 my name is brian. i live in sacramento and thought i would check this out. basically, i have no time to write because i work. i also have no time to work on getting my novel out to anyone (or so i procrastinate). i'm afraid of failure and even more afraid of the wait. sometimes i feel like paying out the 500$ -or whatever it costs- to have ONE copy made for me only. then i could set it up on the shelf, lay back, smile, and just look at it. it sucks to have so much talent, so much crap and ideas boiling in your head 24/7 and not know what to do with it; not know how to set foot into the realm of "making a living with it". so goes my writing; so goes my music. later on, B

Message 1018 was left by Terry Hickman on 2002-07-22 13:34:02. Feedback: 0/0 Hi Renee, if we'd known you were lurking, we would've run you out of town on a rail. I mean, REALLY--you obviously are so chock-full of talent that you don't even have to TRY to sell things. You expect us poor struggling wannabbees (I won't name or number us; I only count myself there!) to greet you with open arms??? Well, okay. WELCOME ABOARD! Don't be a stranger! Glad you've peeked out, now do it some more! (Don't be afraid of the Weirdos around here. None of them actually *bite*. And they're mostly really pretty cute.) Hope you'll stick around and post some more, the more the merrier in this place.