Writer Reboot

Carrie

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Greetings!
I am not a brand new writer but going through a career reboot as I just started writing fiction. I'm a syndicated columnist and write a weekly humor column. A couple of years ago, I sold a memoir to a small press and I have another memoir on the shelf. But then one day, this past January... I started writing fiction! It was not planned and I could not have been more surprised or delighted. Of course, I have no idea what I'm doing. I have an MFA in creative nonfiction and have, quite literally, never written a word of fiction since I was eight years old when I wrote a story about a five-hundred-pound mouse. (Spoiler alert: It was not good.)

But this January, the cupboard door flew open and I have been writing fiction nonstop. It's terrific! Do you know what fiction writers do? They don't have to scavenge through their boring lives for meager bits of entertainment. THEY MAKE SHIT UP! I know, it seems too good to be true. I am in heaven. It's looking like this wants to be a series and, while it is fiction, it borrows a lot from my columns.

Now comes the fly in the ointment. I have an agent and our relationship bears all the hallmarks of a bad one. I signed with her when I was still in the MFA program and I realized that, with this new fiction thing happening, I was going to need someone new (and enthusiastic!) to take the trip with me. So now I am also querying for the first time. It is a year of firsts.

I joined this community because I know no writers. None. I'm not sure how this happened, but no one in my MFA program is writing anymore. It's like the program served as a vaccination and, after their three-year innoculation, they are now free of all symptoms of writing. It makes me sad and I'd like to meet people who, like me, actually love to write. I'd love to connect with anyone and share experiences. I am collecting lovely rejection notes from agents. (Isn't it nice when they take the time to write a lovely note? That really impresses me.)

Okay, that's probably too much said already. I need to get back to my (fictional) little town in Minnesota where a lot of very bad stuff is happening today. Tiffany McIntyre is getting married and it is safe to say this will not be the happiest day of her life.

I wish you all great fun and joy in the journey!
 

Maryn

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I would totally read a story about a 500-pound mouse, for the record.

Welcome to you. Now you know a whole bunch of writers, and if you hang out here in both the "serious" writing boards and the others where we talk about others things, goof around, and let our hair down, you'll not only know other writers but be friends with quite a few, too.

Maryn, who does not have an MFA in anything but has been called a MF
 

Carrie

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Hi, Maryn! You are very fortunate, as near as I can tell, if you don't have an MFA. It seems to be a serious impediment to getting any writing done. Thanks for the tips! I shall explore as soon as I'm finished killing off this latest batch of wedding celebrants.

All the best,
Carrie
 

regdog

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mccardey

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I want to read the mouse story... :cry:
 

ajaye

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I wanna read the mouse story* :e2cat:

Welcome, Carrie.

Good luck, Tiffany.

*eek... 500lbs? :chair
 
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Carrie

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Thank you so much for the kind greetings! Yesterday was my birthday, which was why I remembered I even had this resource. I had signed up and forgotten all about it, then received this lovely birthday greeting! "Who are these lovely people wishing me a happy birthday?" So, this is a nice present. But, while your interest is flattering, I must tell you there will be no sequel to the 500-Pound Mouse. That is settled. :)