arib: (Default)
arib ([personal profile] arib) wrote2004-11-05 12:47 am

(no subject)

So, I'm not doing NaNoWriMo, due to time constraints.

But for some reason, I *do* feel like writing something, and want to set some sort of goal along those lines.

Okay, here we go.

*deep breath*

Within the next 6-8 months, I'd like to submit a story to Analog, with the aim of getting it in print.

I know I probably don't have a snowball's chance of getting published, but I'd welcome any sort of advice, pointers or brainstorming sessions that anyone with writing experience would feel like sharing with me.

Advice and an Offer

[identity profile] sailorjim.livejournal.com 2004-11-04 10:57 pm (UTC)(link)
First the advice: While writing, you will be told - more than once and by many wise and studied people - that you should write what you know.

This is patent bullshit. Did Asimov ever build a robot? Did King ever kill anybody? You shouldn't try to write as a lawyer if you know nothing about the law, nor make your hero a doctor if you've never studied medicine ... but you have friends who are both lawyers and doctors and any other profession that comes to mind. They will tell you what rings false.

So write whatever comes into your mind and enjoy yourself.

Now, the offer: I'll be more than happy to give any assistance I can, with the understanding that I've never been able to crack into the general print.

Sailor Jim

[identity profile] thevortex.livejournal.com 2004-11-05 05:49 am (UTC)(link)
Well, you do live with a published poet...

The Vortex

[identity profile] arib.livejournal.com 2004-11-05 05:55 am (UTC)(link)
I actually know a suprising number of published authors.

[livejournal.com profile] mabfan has had several stories published in magazines and anthologies, and is taking a year off from work to write his novel.

[livejournal.com profile] sailorjim is a published humorist, and his book Naked Through The Snow saw print about two years ago.

[livejournal.com profile] farwing just attended Clarion, a workshop for aspiring f/sf writers. She's also really cool.

So, join the club. :-)

[identity profile] mabfan.livejournal.com 2004-11-05 10:09 am (UTC)(link)
Also, [livejournal.com profile] mabfan has been published in Analog many, many times. :-)

I'd be happy to look at your story.

[identity profile] debka-notion.livejournal.com 2004-11-05 11:43 am (UTC)(link)
Considering the context of the post, it sounds like he wants to do short fiction, and sf/f at that, which is an entirely different kettle of fish.

[identity profile] thevortex.livejournal.com 2004-11-05 11:48 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, I edited that other stuff for the lit mag.

The Vortex
rosefox: An anthropomorphized mackerel tabby wears glasses and holds paper and a red pen (editing)

[personal profile] rosefox 2004-11-05 01:59 pm (UTC)(link)
I'd be happy to edit it before you send it off.