How This Critter Crits
Viewing comments for Chapter 9 "Intermezzo B.Y.O.B"GROWTH? ADULATION? HURRY -- CHOOSE!
81 total reviews
Comment from Curly Girly
This is good advice.
We should choose a good example which we admire before we start writing. Agreed. Ooops!...The writers I admire are all too old fashioned to appeal to modern readers, and I cannot seem to copy their old style. What I mean is...I loved Victoria Holt's books, but I can't write like her. Mmm... maybe I should try, because she was very successful in the 60s and 70s and made plenty of $$$. However, I am not sure if modern women would be content with: marrying a nice man for the happy ending. These days, she wants sex up front, the man to do the housework, while she goes to work as a LAWYER or DOCTOR or... whatever. And if hubby does not behave, she wants the kids, car, pets, house and .... you know, it's different now. I wish it wasn't but it seems to be.
So please help me, Jay, I'm hanging on the edge of my chair for your next chapter! Nicole
reply by the author on 31-May-2015
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This is good advice.
We should choose a good example which we admire before we start writing. Agreed. Ooops!...The writers I admire are all too old fashioned to appeal to modern readers, and I cannot seem to copy their old style. What I mean is...I loved Victoria Holt's books, but I can't write like her. Mmm... maybe I should try, because she was very successful in the 60s and 70s and made plenty of $$$. However, I am not sure if modern women would be content with: marrying a nice man for the happy ending. These days, she wants sex up front, the man to do the housework, while she goes to work as a LAWYER or DOCTOR or... whatever. And if hubby does not behave, she wants the kids, car, pets, house and .... you know, it's different now. I wish it wasn't but it seems to be.
So please help me, Jay, I'm hanging on the edge of my chair for your next chapter! Nicole
Comment Written 31-May-2015
reply by the author on 31-May-2015
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Many thanks, Nicole. My wife used to read Victoria Holt as well as Barbara Cartland. Both successful, to be sure, but I'm not sure a good model for craftsmanship. I'll get to the next chapter, Nicole, as soon as I earn enough $$$ to promote.
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Ah, your wife and I are taste clones! Barbara Cartland was too simple though, I never managed to read more than 3 of her books, they were too predictable. Victoria Holt was much better. If she had more to read, I'd be there sucking them up!
Comment from mfowler
I found this chapter very interesting as I have intuitively gone about improving my own writing by doing exactly what you suggest. I have a pile of 'Best of' short story books from home and abroad. Writers from O. Henry to Poe. I love the stories, even the ones from other times and places, but like you I think it's the ones from your own country and times that will teach the most initially. I like your relaxed note-taking, highlighting idea. I can see myself doing that critically with a story here and there. I think it will benefit both writing and critiquing of a piece. Finding that balance in a story is very important and I imagine it will become second nature after awhile. I look forward to finding just what I'm looking for in the next instalment. Great work, Jay.
reply by the author on 31-May-2015
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I found this chapter very interesting as I have intuitively gone about improving my own writing by doing exactly what you suggest. I have a pile of 'Best of' short story books from home and abroad. Writers from O. Henry to Poe. I love the stories, even the ones from other times and places, but like you I think it's the ones from your own country and times that will teach the most initially. I like your relaxed note-taking, highlighting idea. I can see myself doing that critically with a story here and there. I think it will benefit both writing and critiquing of a piece. Finding that balance in a story is very important and I imagine it will become second nature after awhile. I look forward to finding just what I'm looking for in the next instalment. Great work, Jay.
Comment Written 31-May-2015
reply by the author on 31-May-2015
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I hope the next chapter doesn't disappoint. I'm a little leery of it, myself, because it's more subjective than I'd like as a teaching tool. We'll see.
Comment from c_lucas
It is always a good thing to choose the reference book you plan to use before you get started and stick with it. Your advice is well written in a no nonsense manner. Very good job.
reply by the author on 31-May-2015
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It is always a good thing to choose the reference book you plan to use before you get started and stick with it. Your advice is well written in a no nonsense manner. Very good job.
Comment Written 31-May-2015
reply by the author on 31-May-2015
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Thanks, Charlie. I'm glad to have had you aboard and hope you continue on.
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You're welcome, Jay. Charlie
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
It's all introduction to what you're going to do, and none of the actual doing. Phooey. I'd cut this in half, at least. Much too wordy, as I'm sure you already know. Then get on with it... I want to know more. :)
reply by the author on 31-May-2015
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It's all introduction to what you're going to do, and none of the actual doing. Phooey. I'd cut this in half, at least. Much too wordy, as I'm sure you already know. Then get on with it... I want to know more. :)
Comment Written 31-May-2015
reply by the author on 31-May-2015
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Hahaha! Thank you, Phyllis. You're the second person to say that. But no one says "Phooey" like Filiss! Yeah, I suppose it was wordy, especially to the no-nonsense fiction writer I know you to be. No flab; all muscle and fun.
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;)
Comment from Annette Gulliver
I'd like to take a red pen to some published stories I have read. How the misspelt words get missed I don't know. But then, apart from that, the story was publishable, so it must have been good. You've got me going now, lol. Every time I read a book I will be analysing it with an imaginary red pen. I shudder as I post my next chapter. Are you waiting there with your red pen? An entertaining chapter as usual, Jay.
bye for now,
Annette
reply by the author on 31-May-2015
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I'd like to take a red pen to some published stories I have read. How the misspelt words get missed I don't know. But then, apart from that, the story was publishable, so it must have been good. You've got me going now, lol. Every time I read a book I will be analysing it with an imaginary red pen. I shudder as I post my next chapter. Are you waiting there with your red pen? An entertaining chapter as usual, Jay.
bye for now,
Annette
Comment Written 31-May-2015
reply by the author on 31-May-2015
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Thank you, Annette. I hope you enjoy the actual chapter on critting coming next.
Comment from Spiritual Echo
This is the BEST chapter in the entire book that I've read so far. Interesting that you talk about literary surgery. I often talk about relationship autopsies, examining the rights and wrongs of invested time, encouraging the understanding and acceptance of the responsibility of one's part in the success or failure. Now, as I was reading your brilliant (I don't cast words around like I'm feeding pigeons) analogies, I completely fell under your spell, in that AHA moment Oprah describes so well. For your advice can certainly be used as a life lesson, but while mine is at the end, yours is a living process, to be examined during the relationship.
Did I digress? Well, but how many writers actually approach their work or lives with the intent to cut out the cancer and restore health and balance. As you talked about carving up Alice Munro's stories, you might have decided to be a plastic surgeon and give her characters a little more cleavage, but the essence of the story must remain intact. After all it is the example held up as the learning standard and the surgical instruments must be sterilized to avoid infection.
Yes, and even the tightrope walker training at four hundred feet has more to lose if he stumbles than someone who plays it safe.
I was completely engrossed in this, and as you can see, became obnoxious and verbose in my response.
reply by the author on 31-May-2015
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This is the BEST chapter in the entire book that I've read so far. Interesting that you talk about literary surgery. I often talk about relationship autopsies, examining the rights and wrongs of invested time, encouraging the understanding and acceptance of the responsibility of one's part in the success or failure. Now, as I was reading your brilliant (I don't cast words around like I'm feeding pigeons) analogies, I completely fell under your spell, in that AHA moment Oprah describes so well. For your advice can certainly be used as a life lesson, but while mine is at the end, yours is a living process, to be examined during the relationship.
Did I digress? Well, but how many writers actually approach their work or lives with the intent to cut out the cancer and restore health and balance. As you talked about carving up Alice Munro's stories, you might have decided to be a plastic surgeon and give her characters a little more cleavage, but the essence of the story must remain intact. After all it is the example held up as the learning standard and the surgical instruments must be sterilized to avoid infection.
Yes, and even the tightrope walker training at four hundred feet has more to lose if he stumbles than someone who plays it safe.
I was completely engrossed in this, and as you can see, became obnoxious and verbose in my response.
Comment Written 31-May-2015
reply by the author on 31-May-2015
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If this is obnoxious and verbose, I pray for more of the same, Ingrid. Your crit helps balance out the few strong voices who considered it a lot of padding. You've made this a marvelous Sunday morning, my dear. Thank you so much!
Comment from Gloria ....
Why do we have to bring our own body? Oooooh, I get it. It means Bring Your Own Book. Gotcha.
Ha, got a kick out of your foot in mouth right off the bat. Not at all is it as good as the one that is published. That is what they call a Freudian slip. And a good one. Woot.
And that is the main thing. The publisher has to think THEY are going to make money by publishing the book. Frankly if I were a publisher that would be my aim too.
Big check to writing something in your "own" time frame for a first go around at a novel. That at least eliminates all the research that would have to go into a period piece. Besides, they don't have all the gadgets I love so much. It's bad enough going back into the 80s.
Then there's that other thing, how many people buy or even read books these days? So writing has seriously taken on a new dimension because of blogs and the Internet.
Boy, Jay you really like to live dangerously when you learn how to walk a tightrope. I'd be like six inches off the ground when I was learning about balancing. Or perhaps even using virtual reality software to get the emotional scare of a non-existent height.
Terrific advice all around, as always but what in the world is an exegesis?!
Gloria
reply by the author on 31-May-2015
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Why do we have to bring our own body? Oooooh, I get it. It means Bring Your Own Book. Gotcha.
Ha, got a kick out of your foot in mouth right off the bat. Not at all is it as good as the one that is published. That is what they call a Freudian slip. And a good one. Woot.
And that is the main thing. The publisher has to think THEY are going to make money by publishing the book. Frankly if I were a publisher that would be my aim too.
Big check to writing something in your "own" time frame for a first go around at a novel. That at least eliminates all the research that would have to go into a period piece. Besides, they don't have all the gadgets I love so much. It's bad enough going back into the 80s.
Then there's that other thing, how many people buy or even read books these days? So writing has seriously taken on a new dimension because of blogs and the Internet.
Boy, Jay you really like to live dangerously when you learn how to walk a tightrope. I'd be like six inches off the ground when I was learning about balancing. Or perhaps even using virtual reality software to get the emotional scare of a non-existent height.
Terrific advice all around, as always but what in the world is an exegesis?!
Gloria
Comment Written 31-May-2015
reply by the author on 31-May-2015
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Ah, my Gloria is too smart not to have looked exegesis up on the instant gratifier dictionary on line. I wonder if you caught the shade of meaning I attached to it.
Thank you, dear friend, for reading and putting your special seal of approval on it. I hope the next one doesn't disappoint.
Comment from Jacqueline M Franklin
Hi, Jay...
- Pickin', pickin' them bones to dissect!
- Think it, write it, think it again, edit, edit, edit.
- Then check out Howie...
Cheers & Blessings
Keep Smilin'... Jax (*:*)
reply by the author on 31-May-2015
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Hi, Jay...
- Pickin', pickin' them bones to dissect!
- Think it, write it, think it again, edit, edit, edit.
- Then check out Howie...
Cheers & Blessings
Keep Smilin'... Jax (*:*)
Comment Written 31-May-2015
reply by the author on 31-May-2015
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Hahaha! Thanks, Jax. Glad to have you stop by.
Comment from royowen
I find your cittering of literaring, fashioning, I find I'm never completely happy with what I write, but it go have scant knowledge of other poets, I'm not proud of it, but it's like my music, the same. I have enjoyed your series, it has been informative and mindbendingly good. It's drawn to pursue other forms of literary pursuits, well done Jay, great stuff, blessings, Roy.
reply by the author on 31-May-2015
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I find your cittering of literaring, fashioning, I find I'm never completely happy with what I write, but it go have scant knowledge of other poets, I'm not proud of it, but it's like my music, the same. I have enjoyed your series, it has been informative and mindbendingly good. It's drawn to pursue other forms of literary pursuits, well done Jay, great stuff, blessings, Roy.
Comment Written 31-May-2015
reply by the author on 31-May-2015
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Roy, thank you so much for your wondrous words and gracious 6 stars. You make it all feel worthwhile. I'm indebted to you. Blessings, Jay
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My pleasure Jay
Comment from justafan
OK I put the lid down! Now, Jay this chapter scares the crap out of me. THE RED PEN!!! (deep breath) I am terrified of dialogue. Can a story be publishable with just a tiny bit of that stuff? I truly love these and take alot from them.
Thank you for reviving them.
Your biggest fan,
Me
reply by the author on 31-May-2015
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OK I put the lid down! Now, Jay this chapter scares the crap out of me. THE RED PEN!!! (deep breath) I am terrified of dialogue. Can a story be publishable with just a tiny bit of that stuff? I truly love these and take alot from them.
Thank you for reviving them.
Your biggest fan,
Me
Comment Written 31-May-2015
reply by the author on 31-May-2015
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No, no, no! You were supposed to leave the lid up! Otherwise, when we go there in the middle of the night, we'll pee all over it.
Thanks for your lovely, lovely sixer, Missy. This chapter shouldn't scare anyone. It's the next chapter. And I do all the work. Everyone has trouble with dialogue at first. Those quote marks at the beginning and the end are so weird and artificial. But at some point you will get better at it.
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Dang it!!! Here I was gonna be the good girl and do what I was told(the lid)...grrr, now I am just like every other female..I hear what you say but don't listen! lol