Some Stuff

[mamculuna]

I've been here, reading your posts and randomly commenting, but decided that I had to finish two stories and post them to crit sites before I did anything on LJ. So you are now officially dessert!

People have commented on my icon, so let me say that it's originally from XKCD comix, and then animated and eventually lifted with permisson from heathrow, all with permission as far as I can see, so help yourselves if you want it.

Writing. Since I've had some free time this summer, I've gotten some work done, but have to say that it's hard to produce even crap. I've gotten a lot of beta comments and think that pretty soon I need to start the very unpleasant work of marketing myself. It's very hard, when you're just starting, to know when your stuff is good enough to put out there, and even harder to decide which crits to trust and which to ignore. Sigh. I think I would really, really benefit from a writing workshop, so think that one goal this year will be to try to zero in on the best ones for me and then try to get accepted. Any suggestions are welcome!!

Chicago: After bitterly complaining about being here the last time, in June, I'm liking it quite well these days. I think it's got a lot to do with temperature. I was walking along today, enjoying the breeze and appreciating the blue sky, thinking that it's finally getting comfortable, and saw a temp sign that proclaimed 90 degrees. So my internal thermometer is not calibrated for the cold springs...At any rate, really loving the energy on the streets, the dogs and skaters and old ladies in sequinned visors and froufrou handbags, the little kids with Italian ice dribbling on their tee shirts.

More to come, soon, I hope. Carry on!!

Comments

[altaego.livejournal.com]

I'm glad that you're enjoying the place where you find yourself.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I've been reading The Time Traveller's Wife and sometimes I really feel like the guy in that story, popping in and out of different lives...

[jp-davis.livejournal.com]

I noticed the icon, I love it. As for writing, I think the time to put your writing out there is when you think it's as good as you know how to make it, but without being timid; don't hold a story back for months just because you think you can grow as a writer, but don't throw it out there before it's ready. It's a tightrope balance, and I have definitely erred on both sides. And plus, even when you send it out when you think it's at its peak, 9 times out of 10 (for me), when it comes back with a big fat rejection note, I'll read it over again and realize that it could have been better. But that doesn't mean I shouldn't have sent it out... sometimes you need to see a piece rejected before you can see why it's being rejected.

Wish I had suggestions re: a workshop... Clarion is the only one I know off the top, but I've heard of many others. Let me know what you find, and good luck!

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Thanks. That's very good advice, but indeed it is hard to tell when you're ready. I think trial and error is what I need, right now.

That, and learning to write stories that are short enough to sell in the first place. I have a tendency to write novels when I want to write stories, and series when I want to write novels. But usually realizing what the problem is helps me solve it.

Clarion seems like a very high mountain to climb, but I'll probably try for it. There's also something in Michigan or Wisconsin but like you say, can't think of the name, now.

[jp-davis.livejournal.com]

Hm, if you're always overshooting by a step, maybe you should try writing drabbles! Actually, I happen to know that you write some very good flash fiction, so maybe that won't help. Sell the flash!

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Thanks for that-you're very encouraging.

[usedtobeljs]

Hurrah for finding good things about Chicago, and hurrah for finishing two stories!

I send good thoughts for finding a workshop, and good thoughts in general. [hugs]

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Thanks, and hugs back!

[mummm.livejournal.com]

The 90s are too hot for my internally warm body. (except when I am tired... then I freeze)

I love your short description of Chicago in the summer. I am SURE that you can achieve what you want with your writing! I imagine it is VERY hard to know how to judge any criticisms because everyones opinions can be so different. Do hang in there.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

I heard a thing on NPR about acclimatization, and it made me realize that spending lots of time in the South with the heat and humidity means that I'm just in a different zone from the rest of the world--I've even had friends from Indonesia complain on days that I found comfortable.

Thanks for the encouragement!

[midnightsjane.livejournal.com]

I am glad you're enjoying Chicago and writing and stuff!
I remember that mystery that you sent me to read, and how much I enjoyed it. It was as good, if not better, than many of the mystery novels I pay good money for! A sequel would be nice...

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Thanks--that's very kind!

I've been mostly writing speculative fiction lately, including werewolves and zombies. My next story will not involve known beasts, I am determined.

[maeve-rigan.livejournal.com]

They're predicting temps to hit 100 next week in the Carolinas, so enjoy Chicago while you can!