| Author |
Message |
    
Stephanie S. Sawyer
Hunger Member
Post Number:
54
Registered: 08-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 12:48 pm: |   |
I'm not sure if I can get an unbiased answer here, but I'm going to give y'all a chance to respond anyway.
I've been working on a very close-to-my-heart subject which I am expanding and is now quite substantial. Usually, said subject just rather starts leaping off the page at me, and as this morning, will take off in my pen and not stop til it's all out. Then I'm so pleased with what has happened I don't want to hide it.
That's just the problem.
If I continue to accumulate the referenced material into a further edition for publication, then I will be keeping it to myself for quite a matter of time. Alas, my enthusiasm will have to be clamped down and it's all a big secret to the rest of the world til I get a very big green light from some way-up-above.
OR
I could let out tidbits here and there and spoil the outcome of the surprise. - but in so doing, entice my audience. Actually, I'm not sure this is enticing at all as much as it is satisfying my urge to share my excitement!
Am I being clear at all on any of this, or as muddled as Mississippi Mud Pie? - Don't ask - it's a rhythm technique I use with my students! - Stephanie |
Laurel Johnson
Unity Member
Post Number:
2627
Registered: 01-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 01:27 pm: | |
Let's talk Mississippi Mud Cake andwe have a deal. YUMMM
Are you asking us to preview parts of your latest project?
Or are you asking if you should just work on it yourself and then spring it on the world as a book?
I am working on a similar project after many fits and starts. A year ago I was strongly encouraged by a publisher to write a particular book. I dug my heels in because I did not want to. It kept simmering in the back of my mind. So maybe I will do it.
My technique is to mostly jealously guard anything I write and then let loose of it with hands that are like grasping talons.
You know what you plan to do. Pursue it with your usual gusto, passion, and enthusiasm.
Am I in the ballpark here, Stephanie?? |
Claudia Turner VanLydegraf
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
852
Registered: 06-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 01:52 pm: | |
Persoanlly Stephanie,
When I start a project and it means a huge amount to ME, I keep it to myself until I am sure that it is what I want it to be and where I want it to go, before I let anyone get their hands or minds on it. Then I let someone read it to see what they think, and if they think it has some merit, then I will take it from there to the open world.
Of course, I only have one book out there and that was the way I did it, but my reasons for doing it that way were really personal, the book was about my life and all the repercussions I faced in my life because of the things I did, so I couldn't just let it all hang out every step of the way, I had to put it all down before anyone was able to read it and therefore judge me, And I could not let anyone judge me partially without knowing the whole truth and everything that led up to the outcome. However, even with my paper, when I wrote an article, I ususally had to write it first and then get opinions about the viability of it after it was written.
To me that equates to: keeping it to myself or the bubble will burst and whatever it is that I am writing about won't happen or will happen for the worst. Sort of like You can't tell your wish when you blow out the birthday candles or the wish won't come true. Or when you wish on a star, the same theory. But knowing that theory, when you are writing something really heartfelt, you go around with a cheshire cat grin on your face everyday and everybody asks you what you are up to, so then you are faced with do I tell, or do I not tell??? Bursting with anticipation or pride, and or a little bit of fear at the results with and about something good coming out of your mind is a fantastic feeling and you can't help but show that you are having some wonderful fun along the way, so, just do whatever feels right for you.
If that is the gist of your question, but then again, maybe I got it all wrong......
Claudia |
C. E. Winterland
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
1361
Registered: 06-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 05:19 pm: | |
I'm sure this response will be totally biased...
What was the question? I didn't really see one.
CEW |
Jennifer Lynn
Unity Member
Post Number:
1036
Registered: 03-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 05:50 pm: | |
I guess it all depends what you plan to do with it once its complete. Most publishers don't want anything that has already been in the public domain. They don't mind a small teaser scene, but that's about it. Contracts are pretty specific about the amount that you can post to your website.
My thoughts are, that if you are hoping to package it all together as a novel/non-fiction piece, hold it dear to your heart until you are finished. Otherwise, you might not have any options left open to you.
Jenn |
Stephanie S. Sawyer
Hunger Member
Post Number:
55
Registered: 08-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 07:29 pm: | |
Y'all are really helpful. I do so appreciate it!
Laurel and Claudia: Y'all are hitting the nail on the head. I just can't get any more specific - sorry C.E. - it will come out in time. Actually, it's already coming out - just not to the public, and I'm starting to see just how public I can get - or as is better, not get - with even little hints of it.
Y'all are bringing up a memory: thank you, Claudia. When FACING ME was written, it was in one week, and I was totally alone - no previews, no enticements. Nothing but coming back from that blessed week with the finished product and knowing I had done a very good thing. I also knew it was very blessed in the Lord. He had place a call on me to write it, and He had led me the entire week. That's all I needed, and that was good enough.
This matter is very different. Yes, Lolly, you know. - and what a cute picture of you! - but every time I write I get so excited . - Well, Lolly will tell all y'all how hard it is for me to keep my passion inside! Maybe that's just my challenge here.
Enough said. I think I need to do just what Claudia has urged and Jenn has made plain. I need to keep it private til it's published in toto. I just get so pleased with myself - NO, I'm not trying to be superficially proud - but I get so pleased with a result that I want to share it. Now tell me that y'all don't know what I mean!
This cheshire cat stuff: that may help me keep it secret. -- except it's a darn hard secret.
Stephanie |
Stephanie S. Sawyer
Hunger Member
Post Number:
56
Registered: 08-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 09:28 pm: | |
Oh, and I nearly forgot:
It's four sixteenths, quarter, quarter, and snap, snap the entire time. Got that C.E.? It helps process info.
Stephanie |
Fred Dungan
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
556
Registered: 10-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 11:25 pm: | |
Some hold their cards close to their chest. I lay mine face up on the table for the world to see.
I post my books to the web in html as I write them. This gives readers a chance to offer constructive criticism and suggest subplots. It's also an innovative way to garner publicity for your next book. If you want to see how this works, go to http://www.fdungan.com/vigilantes.htm.
Stephanie,
I thought it was quick time, double time, and get your sorry butt in gear. My drill sergeant wasn't joking when he said they don't pay you to think.
http://www.fdungan.com/vigilantes.htm |
Stephanie S. Sawyer
Hunger Member
Post Number:
57
Registered: 08-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 06:46 am: | |
Fred: Ya know, that "quick time, double time" would work with those of mine who difficulty differentiating the eighths and quarters. I use apples and pie alot. that works too. You've just given me one more tool. That one is in reverse which makes it useful since it's coming from the opposite direction.
And no, no, no, you've got that wrong the MMMP - at least, in MY studio! - wanna come listen?  Stephanie |
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