Thanks to James D MacDOnald

[jst5150]

All:

I just fininshed the 'Uncle Jim's guide to Writing' thread. First, it's amazing. So, my deepest thanks go to him for taking the time to drop the 4-1-1 on us. Second, it frightened me. Why?

I'm absolutely doing everything he's purporting.

Admittedly, I've been writing for 18 years as a journalist. However, the things Mr. MacDonald lays out for anyone starting out are absolutely the right things to do. Content dictates design. And he gives you the building blocks to form content and design a novel.

Admittedly, I didn't go buy the chess book he recommended, and I tend to listen to loud rock music when I write, but Mr. MacDonald's logic, pointers and candor about writing habits are spot on.

It's a privilege to know he contributed what he knows here. Mr. MacDonald, thank you again.

[emeraldcite]

I'm not the first to admit that we have talented writers who willingly share their expertise at AW. I have no reservations praising the community that we've formed here and the amazing pool of people in, and waiting to get in, the biz.

Hell, it's the best pool party I've ever been to...

:Clap:

[James D. Macdonald]

Thank you. [blush]

[Cathy C]

:eek: You read the ENTIRE thread?! Wow! That's an impressive feat. Congrats, and you're absolutely right. Anyone who does spend the time to read the thread will learn everything they need to know to make it in this business.

Welcome, and good luck with your writing!

[Lady of Prose]

I'm reading the entire thread too. I tried to start with the current post of the time when I first came on. But, I soon learned that I was probably cheating myself by not reading the whole thing. Pretty amazing, and no doubt in my mind that I'll be a better writer and author because of the thread.

Thanks, Jim.

[Dawno]

I agree, Jim's thread is a real treasure. Since I can't go to things like Clarion or Viable Paradise, this is a great opportunity for me to learn from someone who teaches at that level.

Just a little plug: Don't forget that there's an "Undiluted" thread by MacAllister and my little index stickied at the top of the forum to help remind you where specific posts are.

[azbikergirl]

Having attended the Viable Paradise workshop in October, I can tell you that Jim is a fine instructor, as are his wife, Debra, and the other wonderful writers and editors that take time out of their busy lives to help newbies like me. If you write SF or fantasy, consider applying for the workshop. Seriously. It was the best writing-related decision I ever made.

Apart from writing, that is. :)

[FolkloreFanatic]

Reading the entire thread doesn't sound like such a bad idea at all, especially considering that we want to get as much right as possible the first time around. ;)

We really don't recognize the contributions of good advice enough, imho. Applause to Jim, Jenna, et al.

[Avalon]

I started out here by reading the whole thread. It's helped me more than I can say. I did get the chess book. In fact, the only thing I didn't do was make key lime pie. Would have taken away from my BIC time. =D

Thanks, Uncle Jim!

[MarkPettus]

I started on Uncle Jim's thread. It took me months to get through it, and it was time well spent.

After I finished the thread, and my ms, I found out there were other threads here. Who knew?

[Lilybiz]

I've been reading the whole thread, too! I don't know what made me think I was the only one. I've been at it since April. I probably shouldn't admit that.

I haven't participated much on any other threads because I didn't want to take away from BIC time, but whenever I have time I love to read Uncle Jim's thread and I'm almost finished (about five or six more pages to go).

I made a rule for myself. I'm not allowed to contribute WORD ONE on the Learn Writing with Uncle Jim thread until I've read the whole thing, just in case I ask something redundant. But I can't wait to get there so I can ask my dumb question.

Thank you, Uncle Jim! It feels nice to call you Uncle, even though we've just met. I've been reading the thread for so long I feel affection for you and all the contributors as well.

And thanks for the thread, Jason. Points to you.

[Ken Schneider]

a big echo on the above comments. uj is the man, and an unselfish teacher of the craft. he must have a 48 hour clock on the wall.


ken