tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post1153777546272633083..comments2024-03-27T18:06:04.484-04:00Comments on Murder by 4: Wherever the Yellow Brick Road LeadsMarta Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126647102399666578noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-61419009727375638212011-01-05T13:16:01.970-05:002011-01-05T13:16:01.970-05:00Oh, the truths in this post, Marta . . . and some ...Oh, the truths in this post, Marta . . . and some of your thoughts have been my thoughts, as well - it can be an unforgiving business if we feel as though we are lost in oz ...<br /><br />I wrote something about Oz too - back in the summer - it's in my blog archives from June 6, but going to reprint it in R&T blog as I told you . . . Auntie Em! Auntie Em! <br /><br />You also remember what else I told you .... *hug*Kathryn Magendiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12863595228298349863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-88119936641214117432010-12-27T10:43:16.838-05:002010-12-27T10:43:16.838-05:00Terry, thank you so much for this! All the best to...Terry, thank you so much for this! All the best to you in the coming year.Marta Stephenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14126647102399666578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-29766518479222778192010-12-24T16:21:58.340-05:002010-12-24T16:21:58.340-05:00Marta,
It is good to read that you're going to...Marta,<br />It is good to read that you're going to get back in writing gear again.<br /><br />We each, as writers, have our own measures of success, and they vary along the way: get that first draft finished, get that edit done, send out that first submission, get that first rejection, that first acceptance, that first review, sign that first copy, etc.<br /><br />Each hurdle or milestone, one more step along the path. And truth be told, some are easier than others, some more fun than others--and depending on the writer this varies greatly.<br /><br />I'm not saying anything here you don't know. But do know that I am cheering for you, and that you'll make it over that next hurdle, ready to face even more along the road to your individual success.<br /><br />And Merry Christmas!Terry W. Ervin IIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13561009802388207515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-82335893321883988872010-12-22T23:44:59.536-05:002010-12-22T23:44:59.536-05:00“I had no idea that my post would bring out so man...“I had no idea that my post would bring out so many profound comments from writers' hearts.”<br /><br />Susan, I’m not surprised at all. Writers share a commonality in experiences and emotions. We sit in front of a blank screen (or page) and bear our souls with each word we type. It’s inevitable that a part of us bleeds onto the pages of our work. Professionally we may respond to rejection or criticism by saying it’s not personal, but who are we kidding? Its stings like hell and in the end, the only thing that keeps us sane is the knowledge that we’re not alone. <br /><br />Thanks so much for lighting the old spark!Marta Stephenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14126647102399666578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-82545008083820268392010-12-22T10:13:38.002-05:002010-12-22T10:13:38.002-05:00Wow! I had no idea that my post would bring out so...Wow! I had no idea that my post would bring out so many profound comments from writers' hearts. The Wicked Witch has my fingers all tied up and my brain muddled. I haven't written in about two months, and it's really getting to me. How nice to have friends and family and the Christmas season to wrap around me while I figure it out.<br /><br />I do need to step back and ask myself the same questions you're asking: Why do I write? My response has always been the "because I can't not write", not an original statement for sure.<br />Who do I write for? That one is harder to answer. While I hope readers will love to read my work, I honestly have to say I write for me. And where do I really want to go with it? We're all like Aaron, hoping to hit the NY best seller list, but let's be realistic. I, too, enjoy the smiles and comments from readers and hope to keep them entertained throughout the book and waiting for the next one impatiently. <br /><br />Perhaps my article and your, Marta, will not only light our passion again but also give many other writers pause for thought. <br />Your post could not have come at a better time for me. I plan to stay in by the fire today and re-read some stale passages and try to move on because I believe in the story and I believe in myself.<br /><br />Know that the magic will return. Your ruby red slipper should arrive just in time for Christmas*wink*Susan Whitfieldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01215871952420224793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-70490630791911033012010-12-22T09:47:44.041-05:002010-12-22T09:47:44.041-05:00Kim, Sonya & Aaron,
We've all been ther...Kim, Sonya & Aaron, <br /><br />We've all been there, haven't we? This post didn't start off as an analogy, but as I thought of how I've been spending my time, I remembered the Wiz of Oz, and bam damn it made perfect sense. LOL<br /><br />Aaron, you drove straight into the matter when you wrote, "...it robs me of my writing time, and it's that very part of the heart and soul of creativity..." <br /><br />Querying has not only robbed me of my writing time, but of the desire and frankly the confidence to keep trying. At least now I can say I tried it, but prefer spending my time plotting the next book. :)<br /><br />Thank you all for your friendship and the occasional shoulder.Marta Stephenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14126647102399666578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-29103002065180001102010-12-22T09:29:15.895-05:002010-12-22T09:29:15.895-05:00Marta, this is a simply fantastic analogy. LOVED i...Marta, this is a simply fantastic analogy. LOVED it! <br /><br />I've been through a similar scenario - had two agents who were nice but not successful in their own right. One went crazy ("forgot" that she asked me to rewrite 8 weeks worth of my very first novel!) and the other just hadn't had time enough in the industry to get any contacts or networking going. We parted friends. <br /><br />I've tried off and on to catch the golden ring - that big NYC agent who will propel me into a big five company, and who will push me right up to their A list... but I haven't put all that much energy into it. Once a year or so I send out a dozen letters. But I hate it. Just hate it. <br /><br />I think it's because it robs me of my writing time, and it's that very part of the heart and soul of creativity that you mentioned that makes me sing praises for my dear small press publisher and for the ability to write book after book without agonizing about rejections or big time recognition. Funny how many of us come full circle in such similar ways isn't it?<br /><br />I always tell my readers that the best part of being an author is connecting with them, knowing I'm giving them something to enjoy or comfort or thrill them. For example, once in a while I feel wistful about wanting to do this full time (i.e. make an actual living out of it!). I remind myself about the people I've met, and their stories, like Bill Messner, who told me, "Your books got me through my chemo." Damn. That makes it all worth it!Aaron Paul Lazarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06117814221437165664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-20736722668421054062010-12-22T08:54:05.666-05:002010-12-22T08:54:05.666-05:00You know, comparing publishing to The Wizard of Oz...You know, comparing publishing to The Wizard of Oz is a FANTASTIC idea. I bet if you wrote an article devoted to that, you could sell it - like to Writer's Digest, maybe, or Poets & Writers. Just sayin', you got the skillz. You could do that. :-)<br /><br />Nobody steal Marta's idea, now! :P<br /><br />And outside of that - fantastic post, Marta. I'm so thrilled to hear that you're rediscovering the reasons you write, and feeling the first stirrings of returning to it. When you start in again, I believe you're going to produce your best work yet.<br /><br />Have a happy holidday! *hugs*s.w. vaughnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09102544611773720262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-71995754365393212412010-12-22T08:12:36.539-05:002010-12-22T08:12:36.539-05:00What a truly inspiring post, Marta! I will be join...What a truly inspiring post, Marta! I will be joining you after the crush of the holiday. I will enjoy some down time and some "me" writing time. Merry Christmas!!Kim Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13933746166088034102noreply@blogger.com