Lynn, a fellow WWWP, and I are plotting. We are going to put a stop--somehow--to Beth's beauty and talent (okay, that's just me), to Linda's habit of being a publication pig (okay, that's only me as well), and to Tammy's skillful sphincter. (She claims her writing is crap, but when it comes out of her butt, it's mind-blowing.)
Actually I'm the only one who's getting snipy. Lynn is far too nice to get snarky at all.
But really, we do talk a lot about confidence and and persistence. So when I saw this video (with Ray Bradbury as the "star) allowing me to get a little into a character's head, I jumped on it.
And although I love his writing, the sight of him in a tie and shorts (or are they boxers?) is a little unsettling.
My question for you: How do you keep persistent at writing?
He's like a sweet potato with toothpick legs. Like you might set over a glass of water to wait for it to sprout. "Dang, Ray! Have a little pride in your appearance. You are NOT being filmed from only the waist up." He wasn't wearing Crocs, was he?
ReplyDeleteI am persistent in my writing because I am a smart-ass, and have more people to make fun of than there are hours in my day.
I had no idea what Ray Bradbury looked like. Who wears a tie with shorts? But I loved what he had to say. Oh, and I don't think there's any stopping Beth's beauty, Linda's publishing and Tammy's skillful sphincter.. and I could add, and Sioux's humor. Maybe mine can be, Lynn's persistence...
ReplyDeleteVal--What a hoot! A sweet potato with toothpick legs. (And don't diss the Crocs!)
ReplyDeleteSome of my favorite people are SAs and SDs. And you're right...the writing material never ends...
Lynn--I hope that is not a prelude to the whining (about yourself) and the excuses that will be happening tomorrow. You SO underestimate yourself. You do an incredible job at voice (which is hard to do sometimes) yet you keep it genuine AND you're able to deftly begin with a small story and make it a story which everyone can relate to. Stopcherbelliachin'.
I find a call out and jump on it, like Ray Bradbury. NO, not like I'd jump his bones :) I know one thing, you have to write it and send it or you don't have a snowball's chance at publication. Some people are stopped in their tracks by rejection. I'm not one of them. I receive rejections all the time. A writing teacher once said, "The first ten years of your writing is PRACTICE." Lot of truth to that.
ReplyDeleteBoxers, I think they are boxers. Maybe the real message he imparts is to write in your underwear? But then I see him go sit in an obviously uncomfortable chair and realize it can't be about comfort, because I am sitting on a cushy loveseat with my laptop. My inspiration comes sporadically and close to home. I am writing abook about my mom, in her voice. All the secrets she thought she took with her in death. Written by the daughter she never wanted, she longed for a son. It is sad, her life. A life lived bemoaning what she didn't have and never appreciating what did have. Cathartic for me, to realize that I accept the fact that I was a biog disappointment and feel only sad for her.
ReplyDeleteLinda--You are so right. If you don't send off anything, you'll never see your work published.
ReplyDeleteKathy--It's scary, isn't it? I love Val's idea of him resembling a sweet potato with toothpick legs. Shudder!
Your book sounds wonderful. I'd love to read part of it/all of it when you are finished. I can empathize with you in some ways. Getting an authentic voice down will make it a wonderful story, even if it's not a feel-good story.
Keep me posted.
Ray Bradbury is one of my all-time favorite writers, but I'm sure not going to take any fashion advice from him. Or home decor advice, for that matter. Was that a blow-up T Rex in his living room?? But once I was able to turn my attention to what he was saying, it was very encouraging. I have to say, no one has ever complimented my sphincter so graciously. I'm with Lynn. There's no stopping your ability to move people--either to laughter or tears. Or both. Or Lynn's ability to connect with people's deepest selves. You guys are awesome.
ReplyDeleteTammy--He IS a brilliant writer, and maybe he just wanted to be sure everyone talked about him, so he wore that get-up.
ReplyDeleteGood clip! Write for yourself and write something you love. That's also what I got out of the conference this week. Of course Ray Bradbury spent years getting paid for toss aways, and already made his name before he indulged himself. Writing 'to the market' and for publication may be an evil we have to endure. Still, I am to concentrate on writing what I love, and what I can be proud of. Maybe somebody else will love it too. If not, cest la vie
ReplyDeleteSeriously - stop it. Or no, wait, on second that...keep talkin'...I need a little boost today - what was that about my beauty, my brains, charm, wit, intelligence.... Gotta run - I'm in the market for a pair of pajama jeans...
ReplyDelete