Mugging the Muse

I've just been rereading Holly Lisle's great book Mugging the Muse: Writing Fiction for Love AND Money. Unfortunately, according to Amazon.com, it's now out of print. It is a shame. I am hoping that a reprint is forthcoming. It's a great book for the beginning writer or for those that want more information on what it is to be a writer from day to day. It's a great read too.

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott is also a great read and something that I highly recommend to all writers.  She definitely has a way with words. I agree wholeheartedly that every writer has "Shitty First Drafts."

Today I am a cellar dweller. Being 39 and back in college I can tell you that homework is much more important when you're older. When I was a kid ... wow, how often do we say that? Anyway, when I was a kid math came easy to me. As a point of fact it was boring. It's a different story now. But I enjoy working on things that are hard. Why else would I want to be a writer?

But then I digress. Back to Mrs. Lisle. The link that I've provided will get you to her website. You have to click on the title of this post, or just click here. There is a link there to download "Mugging the Muse" and I'd recommend that one if you've the inclination. And even if you don't it's a great read. Off for another day of torturing the brains.

Daily advice: Put yourself out there, there's no way to get anything back if you don't.

Creative Writing at Cape Cod Community College

The day after my creative writing class I always feel like staying home and writing. Today, more than usual. It's mid-March and we got more snow. It makes the house feel cozy and inviting; makes you just want to curl up with your laptop and make the keys sing. But I have a class and so here I sit in my Intro to Business class yet again, and no one is here again. I am very early. Maybe I'm going about it wrong and I should come to class at the last minute like all the kids. But then that's not really me.

I was an Aircraft Mechanic for a long time. I worked for both US Airways and American Eagle Airlines. I have always said that because of the technical knowledge involved, and the expertise needed, Aircraft Mechanics are actually professional nerds that like to get dirty. That and the airlines teach you to try to always be on time or early.

Not sure what that had to do with writing, but I'm sure I'll figure it out one day. Until then, this is that elusive animal ... rarely caught in the open ... writing practice.

Anytime I can tickle the keys of either keyboard or piano I am happy. Finding this little gem out about myself at 39 is kind of awkward, but still I'm happy to learn it now. I could have found out that writing was my passion at the ripe age of 90. Where would I be then. As it is it's hard to keep story details straight.

So it's off to another day of mid-life learning at Cape Cod Community College here on ... you guessed it ... Cape Cod. I suppose there are worse places I could be going to school.

Oh, and if you're interested, the professors here are top notch and they have a Radio Broadcasting program here that is second to none. They actually teach the technique of remote broadcasts and radio journalism. A rarity from what I'm told.

Have a great day. I know that I will.

Today's Words of Wisdom: Follow your passion and doors will open ... often in places you don't expect.

Decisions

Deciding on an outlet for your work can be the most daunting of tasks. I seem to be mired in that exact conundrum. There are literally hundreds of places to submit your work as a new writer. An here in lies the most problematic of issues.

Most of the magazines that I have checked out seem to want to have exclusive access to your current submission. This seems to convey a sort of mobius loop of submission and rejection and resubmission:

This tends to make the already complicated art of writing ... well ... more complex ... or at least more tedious.

Words from the sage: Keep writing. Your going to need the cannon fodder.

Sites to check out:   The Writer's Cafe - a great place for new writers to ply their craft.

Back in School

It's 9:00am and I'm waiting for my Intro to Business class to begin. I'm the only one sitting here this early, 30 minutes, and I am beginning to wonder if it's been moved or canceled. I should check my e-mail.


A quick check reveals no new information. Interesting. Usually there's people here by now. Must be a slow start for the week after spring break.

As for writing. Nothing much in the last day or so. Some minor ideas, and some new software. I'm checking out a program called The Writer's Cafe. It seems fairly all encompassing, but I have yet to use it to any great extent. But anything that will help me keep notes, research and actual writing organized and flowing is welcome. I'll let you know more later. Until then, have a great and productive writing day.

Today's mantra: I am nobody's bitch.

Dip a Toe

I have, today dipped a toe into the proverbial writing pond. I have stepped off that precipice and have plied the waters to find my bounty... Right! If only writing worthwhile things was all it took. But as the first project chronicled in this blog I thought it would be good to begin with a Short Story submission. Always fun and rewarding right?

We'll see...

The project I'm working on surrounds the adventures of the mining tug Iyanough (Eye-an-oh). It's planned as a short series that begins with the utter destruction of the planet Earth. It is a science fiction piece that I am working to keep as realistic as I can. (I don't want you to smell the bullshit coming). The first installment is available now for kindle at: Eschelon 7 (The Iyanough Chronicles) . It's also available in PDF form here:


Echelon 7: The Iyanough Chronicles

I am proud of this piece. It's one of the first that actually received some good reviews from readers.

As with most writers, I am also working on a novel. This will be my first ... and since I have never done this before ... I have no idea how long it's going to take. I know it'll be a lot of work, but I am looking at it like a labor of love. If, and that's a big 'IF', it get's published I'll be estatic.

Advice this go 'round: Write. Write. Write. Even if you're convinced that what you're writing is the worst kind of self indulgent drivel there ever was. Write. Write. Write. Just do it ... you'll be glad you did.