Joel and Writing
[Joel],
Hi there. All is well here. No, [Mel] cancelled the retreat because not enough people wanted to attend. Ah well, perhaps next year.
The writing is gong well. I’ve been working on an autobiography, and dong lots and lots of reading. Recently I read:
- The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand,
- South Sea Tales by Jack London,
- The Web and the Rock by Thomas Wolfe
The last two showcase autobiographical styles that seemed to work well for the authors. They gave me lots of ideas for mine. Ayn Rand’s book traces a fictitious independent-thinking character (Howard Roark) and all the hardship and tumult along with the eventual happiness he encounters because he doesn’t give in to what others want when it conflicts with what he wants. Excellent book. I found it most inspiring.
I’ve been working on The Lady in the Park story. However, I found that it had major problems beyond the redundancy and idea arrangement that you mentioned. It’s very wordy and doesn’t express any really fresh philosophical ideas. Plus, the story ends too-abruptly, leaving several arguments and themes dangling. So, I’m currently working on condensing it and adding a more effective conclusion. You’ll receive the next draft when it’s done, most definitely.
I’d be happy to look over your poetry.
As far as getting it published goes, check out The Writer magazine at: http://www.writermag.com
They supply an online database of over 2500 publishers, updated weekly. In fact, in the November issue, they gave a list of perhaps 100 publishers and many of them, as I recall, accept poetry. Also, some of them pay very well and seek first-time writers.
Also, you might look at The Writers Journal magazine at: http://www.writersjournal.com/
This offers many writing contests including poetry types, and info about the many writers markets.
These magazines are discussed regularly in the local writers group in which I participate, and come highly recommended by authors who have spoken at our meetings. Some of them began building their writing ladder (their history of successful publications), starting with these magazines. Good luck getting published.
Well, have a great holiday, and stay warm.
Later,
Tom Hesley