When I have doubts about what I'm doing, which can happen, say after a bad submission rejection (there are good and bad ones) I stand alone on the shore of the wide world, like Keats once did, and think about chucking it in, in much the same way he didn't. Maybe I could get an easier … Continue reading Before my pen has gleaned my teeming brain
Random Short Thoughts
It’s all in the name
It's no secret writers make up names; for their characters, for their stories and for themselves. Females have taken to disguising their authorship since at least Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell started getting their poetry published. The other day a writer revealed she didn't (really) read books by female writers and disguised her name as … Continue reading It’s all in the name
Writing words is a numbers game
I've mentioned previously that I keep a database of publications and my writing, to show me when and where I've sent what stories (and the odd poem) and how long I've waited to hear back (sometimes forever). Apart from occasional lapses in data entry (almost) everything I've sent out over the past five years is there. … Continue reading Writing words is a numbers game
Dealing new illusions?
This is what some people thought about TV in 1976. I quote it because it speaks to me today and I suspect it may to others. You're television incarnate...Indifferent to suffering; insensitive to joy. All of life is reduced to the common rubble of banality. War, murder, death are all the same...And the daily business … Continue reading Dealing new illusions?
The problem with previews
There are many things coming up I want to see and read. The problem is that the previews and news about them are so far in advance I may miss them later when I have forgotten my current excitement. Damn the invention of the NOW GENERATION. It's great I can see previews for films set … Continue reading The problem with previews
Investigating and some nonsense about writing
One of my favourite books is Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco. No. Don't roll your eyes. I geddit. I have to let you know I have a deep and abiding love of The Wind in the Willows and reveal that I did waste a few teen hours in the alien realm of Sweet Valley High and many … Continue reading Investigating and some nonsense about writing
Concerning the One Ring
The true story of my own ring (of power), and it's inevitable corrupting influence and loss. I was sad to be free of it. And still am. It wasn't mine to throw away and I didn't give it up freely. I admit it was precious to me as it was an inheritance and I want … Continue reading Concerning the One Ring
Writing like a tree
The news, as it is wont to do these days, came via Twitter first, and then I found it in the mail. A poster. One of my stories for If: Books Open Changes was used for a Story Tree poster and it arrived the other day. It's the first time some of my writing has … Continue reading Writing like a tree
Oops I drew it again
I just attended my second Zentangle class at Abbotsford Convent with Beverley, who is gently encouraging and wonderfully welcoming. The time magically disappears in what is the perfect place for lessons like this. On the edge of the city and not so far from the free way, it is at once busy and peaceful. While we were … Continue reading Oops I drew it again
Optical delusions
A few weeks ago I posted about art. Admitting I could only see what I couldn't get 'right,' I felt, for a long time, art was something I let down, due some mysterious defect. This attitude limits not only what I think I can do, but what I attempt. Basically, if I don't try, then … Continue reading Optical delusions
Writing Bec 