Too modern?

I'll jump into the confusion pool with you. I don't get what they're trying to say. Did you possibly submit an historical that they deemed out of the timeframe or something? Can't figure it. Modern or contemporary is good, I thought...or at the very least tolerated, eh?

Odd

Tri

I'm guessing here, but they might have meant that it had what is known in screenwriting as the "anti-plot" plot, or was intentional written to be different from most other published books (think Kafka, David Lynch movies, Waiting for Godot, etc.).

Or . . . they could have meant that they generally handle work that doesn't include contempory themes (drugs, gays, abused children, serial killers, politics, etc.).

Again, I'm just guessing.

Or it could be that the style of writing wasn't smooth enough. There have been some posts on SYW that come across as too modern. kborsden - I'm pretty sure you have something on SYW - tell us where it is and maybe we can give you a better idea of what they might have meant. Puma

Dated dialogue or slang? This one's killing me.

Tri

I'm going to throw in with Puma on this one. Could it be that your STYLE is modern? Mine's been described that way because I don't use "blah, blah" he said "blah blah" she replied all the time. I prefer to let my characters actions speak between their sentences.

I can see how this could be one of those things that sticks you and drives you insane because you can't make sense of it.

Not having read any excerpts, I really can't offer an opinion, but my guess would be in agreement that maybe there's something about your style, your word usage, or grammar that might be considered too avante garde or something, too experimental?

Okay, I THINK I see what's going on, but I'm still not sure. It could be a culture or age related issue. In other words it's a happening, youthful scene, very now or could you say hep? Which is portrayed very well in the writing, I might add. like I say, that's a guess.

Tri

kborsden said:

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44594The agency I submitted to is one solely for 'new' Welsh writers.

Click to expand...

Uh oh. Possible warning sign. Care to share the agency's name?

- Victoria

Looking back at your post, I think Caro caught one of the problems right off the bat - the lack of capitals and the dash at the beginning of the lines. Beyond that - why do you have the (!) in the second line below.

She looks at me like I’m stupid and we all know why.
-“breeding pigs (!)” she answers sarcastically.
-“what kind of pigs? Potbellies?” stupid, stupid.
She grins.
-“what’s your name?” she asks.
-“Adam, yours?” hey, we’re getting somewhere.
-“I’m Marie,” she answers.
-“and the pigs?” she’s got to laugh.
-“there are no pigs…why don’t you get me a drink?” she says.

I think you'd have a much better chance if you bit the bullet and converted this all to more conventional format. Puma

kborsden said:

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44594

This hould give an idea about not only what my work is about but also how it is written.
The agency I submitted to is one solely for 'new' Welsh writers. They have many published Welsh authors on their list, so I don't think it's anything to do with time-frame.

kie

Click to expand...

I tried to see your writing but, alas I needed a password to gain entry.
I just have to say that in my tiny taste of your writing, I am often riveted. you have written many marvelous poems. I never understand a rejection, but I extend to you hope, you will make it-just a matter of time.