Seeing Jim's posting about Gumbah took me back like twenty years. Gumbah was writing a story about, well the House of Chin with an emphasis on softball and seen from a JR-like character, although his plan was that each character would narrate his own chapter. A tough way to write a story. I took up on it and started my own version only the JR-esque character did all the narrations. We emailed each other chapters and it worked out quite well. The hardest thing about writing is getting someone to read it and we had a pretty good time of it.
I went back to look at it just now, and I don't think it's that bad, but of course I wouldn't, would I? It'd kind of long seventy-seven pages, but I guess this is best time I'll ever have getting someone to read it, No obligation, but if anybody wants to look at it let me know and I'll send it to you.
Tony kindly read what became the first chapter in a short story I wrote. He gave me some excellent suggestions and advice. It is nice when someone gives constructive advice, not just edit for grammar and spelling.
ReplyDeleteI gave a story to Art a few years ago and his comment was, "I didn't like that woman. I didn't like the story." Of course, rather than be annoyed (which I was), I should have taken it as a compliment since she wasn't a woman most people would have liked. I portrayed her well.
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ReplyDeleteHmmm, well, you can't edit something once it is posted, and I see it shows my comment was deleted, which is annoying. Anyway, here it is again with some context: Nena's comment about Art's passing judgment on her story reminded me of something that happened back in my working days. For many years I rode in a van with 10 other people. Given that the ride was about 1/2 hour (or more) each way, we spent a lot of time together and many got to be good friends. After the van came to an end one of the guys, Dave, wrote a book he was very proud of and gave it to his good friend, Mia, who had been an English teacher, to read. She gave him her honest opinion which was, sadly, that it wasn't very good. I have to assume that she didn't state her negative reaction as suggestions and good advice, but rather as harsh criticism that he took to heart and that was the end of their friendship. I don't know if they ever spoke again. That said, I would be happy to read your book and offer suggestions and good advice, if that is what is wanted, or just to enjoy some good writing (which I am sure it will be).
ReplyDeleteI read it and enjoyed it (when it wasn't making me squirm a bit). Uncle Ken is a good writer.
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