Re: getting awfully looooong here
Is it time maybe to archive this thread as LEARN WITH JIM 1 and start anew? Just a thought.
When we reach 100 pages. Perhaps.
I imagine then the first dozen posts of the new thread will be links to the old one, to the Best Of posts.
I'm also thinking of doing a FAQ.
Q. How Do I Become a Writer?
A. By sending your writing to editors likely to buy it.
Q. What editor is likely to buy it?
A. One who has bought similar things in the past.
Q. What do you mean "bought"?
A. Sent a check for cash money, to the tune of at least $0.05 cents a word.
Q. How do I know who has bought similar things?
A. By reading the magazine/imprint for which the person edits.
Q. How do I submit?
A. Double-spaced, on one side of the paper, with one-inch margins.
And so on ....
Many years ago, when I was young and innocent, I went to a presentation by a Famous Author, with questions after. And I wanted to be a writer, even then. And I raised my hand, timidly, near the end, and asked "How does one become a published writer?" or words to that effect.
And the famous writer answered, something about inspiration, and vision, and much else that wasn't particularly useful (in that it took me fifteen years to figure out the answer to my question), which was, "Type it on one side of the paper, double spaced, and send it to someone likely to buy it. For cash."
Let me tell you a true thing: if you have a talent for prose fiction (and most people don't -- I swear to you, most people don't), and you've practiced so that your talent is developed -- there are folks who will pay you cash money. You have a rare talent. You are one among a million. You deserve money for what you can do. Do not sell yourself short!
But your first, or your second, or ... need I go on? Your efforts need to be practiced.
Not only must you be good enough, you have to be good enough to go head to head against people who are as talented as you (or more!) and who have been practicing for twenty years.
In the words of Dirty Harry: "Ask yourself, punk, do you feel lucky?"
Guys, I've been talented all my life. I've been writing for forty years. I've been publishing for a bit over fifteen of them.
This is work. This is not just raw talent, this is work. Don't let anyone tell you differently.