So I explained my current dilemna to my beta-readers and asked for feedback on some very specific points. Only one person has responded so far, but she brought up something that surprised me. She saw the protagonist as being rude and confused when interacting with one of the other characters, when I was actually going for "flusterred". Which I suppose is close, but rude implies more antagonism than I was going for. Guess I'll have to give their interaction a closer look.
I always thought the name Serenity had a vaguely funereal sound to it.
Simon ,'Out Of Gas'
The Great Write Way, Chapter Two: Twice upon a time...
A place for Buffistas to discuss, beta and otherwise deal and dish on their non-fan fiction projects.
Kalshane - Sep 28, 2005 10:29:54 am PDT #4380 of 10001
GS: If you had to choose between kicking evil in the head or the behind, which would you choose, and why?
Minsc: I'm not sure I understand the question. I have two feet, do I not? You do not take a small plate when the feast of evil welcomes seconds.
erikaj - Sep 28, 2005 12:37:45 pm PDT #4381 of 10001
Always Anti-fascist!
Sometimes I think it would be easier to kill someone myself and get away with it than get that written murder right. but I have patience that's not.
Kalshane - Sep 28, 2005 12:42:11 pm PDT #4382 of 10001
GS: If you had to choose between kicking evil in the head or the behind, which would you choose, and why?
Minsc: I'm not sure I understand the question. I have two feet, do I not? You do not take a small plate when the feast of evil welcomes seconds.
Well, the murder might be quicker. Takes a lot less time to kill someone than write about it, but I'm not so sure about the getting away with it. (As far quickness goes.)
Plus, a murder mystery can entertain many, while an actual murder is sort of self-indulgent.
Of course, you don't really have to worry about someone giving your murder a bad review.
erikaj - Sep 28, 2005 12:47:20 pm PDT #4383 of 10001
Always Anti-fascist!
I don't think the DA would be too amused though. that counts.
Kalshane - Sep 28, 2005 12:55:58 pm PDT #4384 of 10001
GS: If you had to choose between kicking evil in the head or the behind, which would you choose, and why?
Minsc: I'm not sure I understand the question. I have two feet, do I not? You do not take a small plate when the feast of evil welcomes seconds.
True.
erikaj - Sep 28, 2005 1:03:17 pm PDT #4385 of 10001
Always Anti-fascist!
Our county attorney is a real right-wing douchebag...I think the death penalty is like a 12-gauge for Spike...makes him feel all manly. Better finish the book then.ETA: I apologize to every douche I may have insulted by comparing it to Andrew Thomas. That wasn't fair to feminine products.
sj - Sep 28, 2005 2:46:17 pm PDT #4386 of 10001
"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea."
I want to write an article about the often awful treatment I have received over the years at airports when I have asked for wheelchair assistance at airports, but I am not sure where to start. Any suggestions?
Ginger - Sep 28, 2005 3:13:40 pm PDT #4387 of 10001
"It didn't taste good. It tasted soooo horrible. It tasted like....a vodka martini." - Matilda
Usually a good place to start is an anecdote, sj. Think of an incident that was both dreadful and representative, and start by describing that. A structure I often use would go something like this:
- Anecdote
- Why this incident is representative of a larger problem
- Facts about the problem (X number of wheelchair users; X airports say they accomodate people needing wheelchairs)
- Call airport/airline PR persons to get quotes about their wheelchair polices. Ask them about some of the things that have happened to you.
- More anecdotes
deborah grabien - Sep 28, 2005 3:21:44 pm PDT #4388 of 10001
It really doesn't matter. It's just an opinion. Don't worry about it. Not worth the hassle.
And, Ginger nails it. Definitely a personal anecdote to start off: if I was writing about the misconceptions about being handicapped and not looking it too obviously, I'd begin with the Daly City cop who told me I "didn't look crippled enough" to merit that blue parking placard.
I am CRANKY:
The Publications Committee of MWA is delighted to invite you to submit stories for "Burden Of The Badge", Stories of Cops on the Job, the second of three MWA anthologies contracted by Little Brown. The first Anthology, "Relationships Can Be Murder", was edited by Harlan Coben and will be published in October. The second Anthology will be edited by Michael Connelly. The third will be edited by Linda Fairstein in 2007.
"The best detective stories are not about cops working on cases, but of cases working on cops." This phrase, coined by Joseph Wambaugh, is the theme chosen by Michael Connelly for this anthology. Ten new stories "heavy on character" by MWA members will be commissioned by the editor, and ten new stories will be selected by a MWA panel from a pool of open and blind submissions by MWA members. Members in any category of membership may submit stories -- you do not need to be previously published, but you must be a member in good standing (dues paid).
I don't write that kind of crime story, damn it. Might have to try.
erikaj - Sep 28, 2005 4:15:20 pm PDT #4389 of 10001
Always Anti-fascist!
My wife is trying to make me type till my hands fall off. Unless only members can play. We could do like that nauseating husband and wife that try to make you think there's a woman named Judith Michael cause she's Judith and he's Michael. And they write together...nauseating, que no? But we could rule the mystery writing world! Interesting Wambaugh story: The last time I read writer's digest, he was in it. Giving props to older writers and telling young people not to jump in too hard, because My First Lay is all they know. But he said to be careful what you do for life experience, because that's how he ended up in LAPD.Oh, sj, I probably have more advice and places to publish and all that than you ever could want,