Victor, I liked the piece. I left an anon message tho.

I ran into the Big Buzzsaw of Comglomerated Publishing, in which the most powerful editor in tthe industry at that time asked me if I could "stick a few rapes" in the novel I was working on. Because "our demographic audience likes rapes - you know, guys, 14-22."

EWWWWWWWW.

Yeah, I could see how that could put you off.

Susan, it sounds like your rejection letters are pretty encouraging, actually! I'm so excited for you. I mean, you wrote a book! And it's THERE for people to reject!

Ok, maybe it's just me, but THAT'S SO COOL!!!!

OK, I'm all inspired. I'm going to print off what Ihave and let me dad read it (heh -- true test of love "Daddy, read my 20 pages of novels. Turn of the Chiefs playoff game!) and finally make the changes Deb et. al. have suggested kindly.

Inspiration provided by y'all, mostly, but also by reading last night. I read the new "Dragonkin" by Anne McC and her son Todd McC., and it was pretty dull. I think he wrote most of it, and the backflap says he's working on a solo Pern novel now.

There were HUGE errors in the novel, and the pacing sucked and the characterization was boring, and the ending was just...yawn.

I HATE neoptism. Just because your parent is a writer, Todd McC. and Christopher Rice, doesn't mean you are.

And yet, they're published on the strength of their folks' sales.

As are WHITE HOUSE PET BOOKS.

Feh.

Christopher Buckley did turn out a writer. I wonder if he was afraid to come home if he didn't... He's sort of funny...for a conservative.

Oh, there are exceptions, I'ms sure. It's just that...most of them SUCK.

Wrod.

I remember reading one of Tabitha King's books once and suspecting her technical chops were much better than those of the hubby, but it's been a while, and that's all I really remember about it.

Christopher Buckley, however, I remember as being a freaking brill writer, all political differences aside.

I asked this question in fic, but I'll leave it here too. Whenever I start out to write something "about" something, it's a struggle. A lot of times the piece fails. But sometimes the things I expect to be brain-candy are about stuff. Am I uptight? Or is that the nature of the beast? Will I get control with time or is that the wrong thing to even think of?

Christopher Buckley, however, I remember as being a freaking brill writer, all political differences aside.

"Thank You For Smoking" is hysterical.

Yup, Buckley has something his reptillian daddy doesn't: genuine humour. Mostly I want to poke him in the ass with a salad fork for his opinions, but he writes very very well indeed.

erika, you know my take on characters' journey: it's what makes or breaks a book. Plot is mechanics, but allowing realised characters to walk their own road, and not be afraid of where they end up or (most important) where they take you as their creator/interpreter, is to me the defining factor in what makes a book worth reading.

Victor, I left feedback at your livejournal, as well.

As are WHITE HOUSE PET BOOKS

Except Millie, because she had a clearer mind than any of those stupid Bushies. And if the current dog at the White House wrote something, I would expect it to be all about how he shoved that prat Shrub off his Segue.

"Aw, isn't that cute! It looks like he's reading..." Man, I can just be a huge bitch. As well as a Bitch. But I'm not taking it back:P