Lynnette shared a romance story that she's working on; reading it made me mad as a cat being given a bath. I guess she was taking Tammy's place. Tammy was MIA last night at our critique meeting, and she is the one who regularly pulls mind-blowing (or butt-blowing) things out of her sphincter. So perhaps I should give "Lynnette" some slack; maybe she was just channeling our missing member...
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| Okay, I lied. "Lynnette" doesn't deserve to be protected. If you see this woman, bow down as you simultaneously hiss at her. |
Why was I spitting mad? One, I dislike romance stories, but I loved this one.
Two, the voice (of a male narrator) was so vivid and dead-on, I was jealous. I kept trying to put a writing curse on her with my evil looks ("May your pencil run out of lead and all your pens leak out all their ink," and "May your cat Smeagol get 'cat-scratch fever' and tear up all your empty journals and copy paper.") as I read her story, but I'm sure it didn't work. Her story reminded me of why I love Stephen King's Delores Claiborne--the voice of the narrator is so chillingly clear, it's as if that character has come alive and is speaking to the reader.
"Lynnette" said, (to make me even more furious) "I think this will be my last romance," and "I hate writing fiction." And why, I asked. If you get out of your box and find you have talent, why stop? Continue to write your 'tried and true" but also continue to take frequent steps out of your box.
What is outside of your box that has resulted in some success? Share, and if you have time tomorrow, stop by The Muffin and leave a comment. I've got some recycling (for writing) tips...
Hmmm. Wonder who the mysterious romance writer is.
ReplyDeleteFiction is my favorite genre to write, but I've found most of my success in nonfiction.
And I will check out The Muffin tomorrow.
Donna--You're almost always successful, no matter what the genre is.
DeleteYou're killing me here. I feel bad enough that I missed!
ReplyDeleteTammy--You really missed a marvelous story from Lynn, and Linda re-shared one she's tinkering with.
DeleteShe did a "Tammy" last night.
I shall not hiss at the romance writer. Though I met her only once, I always think of her as a comfortable old shoe. Make that a friend I never knew. What I mean is...she was quite friendly and easy to talk to. Even though she might have been mining the experience for a future true horror story.
ReplyDeleteHaving remained firmly entrenched in the box, I know not what lies outside. Nonfiction is the life for me. I am no James Frey, that's for sure. I will, however, drag my box to your Muffin tomorrow.
You can stay in your box, because your truth is much stranger than most people's fiction.
DeleteI'm not sure what box I belong in, or if I even have one. I've had some fiction published, but enjoy writing both non-fiction and poetry. But I've had the most financial success in soul-less technical writing.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll have a Muffin for breakfast.
Well then, Kim, I bow down to you. Technical writing? You're far better writer than me, if you can do that.
DeleteThanks for stopping by (in advance).
Ha, so the guilty can be protected as you plaster a pic of me! He he he. You're too funny. I'll head on over to Muffin to see what genius tips you have, once again. Thanks for the kind words.
ReplyDeleteLynn--You ticked me off. You do not deserve to be protected.
DeleteAnd you're welcome. Your story's voice was so strong and clear, it blew me away.
Wow -- you're really emotional about this Sioux. All that feeling could be retooled and channeled into, uh, maybe a romance story. LOL You make a great point about climbing out of our comfort zones. How about you? You up for writing romance? Maybe?
ReplyDeleteLisa--I'm working on a romance submission for a "cupid" submission that is due on Tuesday, the 15th. (see Lynn's blog--she has a post about it) I am sure it doesn't have a chance but at least I'm trying...
DeleteI like your honesty about jealousy! I think we've all felt it, and hope we can use it to work harder and make our writing better!
ReplyDeleteMary--I'm actually thrilled with "Lynnette's" story--the snarkiness and sniping is stretching the truth a bit--but I would love it if I could write like that.
DeleteBut Mary you ARE right about it spurring us onto writing. When you read a friend's piece that sings and soars, you naturally want to at least attempt writing something that will flutter (and hopefully not flop).
I LOVE Lynn, er...Lynette! I sure wish that I could join you guys, just once to meet you all at once.
ReplyDeleteKathy M.