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Messages - Paige

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1
Author Craft / Re: A Writer who can't Write
« on: January 16, 2008, 10:53:19 PM »
Writing isn't easy. If it was everyone would do it. Seriously. EVERYONE. The easy part is coming up with the ideas. The hard part, the part that makes a writer a writer, is the actual...ya'know...writing.  :P

If you want to write the book then write it. There's no pill, no trick, no magic to it. You sit down and write, or you dictate and have someone else type or have a program do it. You find the time, you make the time, you DECIDE to write.

The difference between someone who wants to be a writer and someone who is, isn't whether they ever get published it's whether they actually write. And the only thing that will put you on one side or the other...is you. How bad do you want it?

I'm worried that sounds harsh and I don't mean it to be. It's just that there's no other answer. You have the desire, you have the story idea, you've proven you CAN make yourself write by writing the prologue. You just have to put your butt in the chair and your hands on the keyboard (or pen and paper) and write.
It's not easy, but you know you can do it. So just do it.  ;D

I sound like a Nike commercial.  :-\
Good luck!!!!

2
Site Suggestions & Support / Re: Most Recent Posts Link
« on: January 09, 2008, 12:34:14 AM »
Quote from: iago on January 08, 2008, 11:02:28 PM
Because every single page view of the forum index had to run the calculations necessary to give that information.  Since our site account was suspended due to excessive CPU usage, I had to cut back on frequent nontrivial queries such as the one necessary to display that.

Oh. Okay.
Thanks!

3
Site Suggestions & Support / Most Recent Posts Link
« on: January 08, 2008, 09:48:23 PM »
What happened to the most recent posts link at the bottom of the home page? It was in the "who's online" section above the list of Users active in past 15 minutes. I liked it!!! It was a nice way to see which threads were the most active and where everyone was congregating. 
Why'd it go away?   ???
I know the "Show unread posts since last visit" will do basically the same thing, except it lists by topics. You have to click each topic and then click the last page in that thread to see what was posted. The old way was listed by posts. You could just scroll through them, no matter the thread. Made it easier to notice conversations you'd like to join. The topic subject doesn't always reflect how the conversation has evolved. Even though the subject says they're talking about one thing, the conversation may have switched to something else.
I miss the old link.  :'(
~Paige

4
Site Suggestions & Support / Re: What's the difference between discussion and debate?
« on: February 12, 2007, 10:32:01 PM »
Quote from: jtaylor on February 12, 2007, 09:50:49 PM
It seems as if there are a lot of master debaters on this board...  ;)

*giggle*  :D

5
Site Suggestions & Support / Re: What's the difference between discussion and debate?
« on: February 07, 2007, 06:10:33 PM »
By definition a debate is a discussion between people with apposing points of view.

A discussion is “Consideration of a subject by a group; an earnest conversation,” where the topic and/or premise is generally agreed.

You cannot have a discussion between people with apposing points of view.

Problem: with so many people coming at a topic with varying amounts of information, egos, and beliefs a “discussion” will more often turn to debate.

The only way to avoid (or at least lessen it) would be to make a section strictly for “discussion” wherein the topic and the opening post are accepted and agreed upon by all following posters and a question is posed for discussion based on that topic and opening post. (If you don’t agree with the premise you don’t post.)

It’ll probably still degenerate into name calling and flaming but...what’ya gonna do?
 :-\

6
Author Craft / Re: These are %@#!ing hilarious!
« on: February 02, 2007, 12:14:42 PM »
...Breathing a sigh of relief....
None of them were mine. ~Whew!~  ::)


7
Author Craft / Re: New Writer's Group from this Board
« on: January 12, 2007, 11:11:31 AM »
Quote from: Mickey Finn on January 10, 2007, 04:39:49 PM
Paige, excellent points. Seriously. However, I think they actually belong on the board themselves, rather than the EULA, because they're more specific than I intended to be. (And, on a side note, some folks can miss something while others totally get it, so it's a weird balance.)

Uhm, K.  ::)

Quote from: Mickey Finn on January 10, 2007, 04:39:49 PM
Rough draft:
Welcome to the Cogni Writer’s Group.
This is a private board, the purpose of which is to aid its members with the production of and marketing of prose. This is a board of peers, and any account hierarchy is strictly due to the administration of the board.
To be a member of this group, you agree to the following:
1)   I shall respect the other members of this board, including respecting their intellectual property…in short, I shall not steal ideas or prose from other members, and they shall not steal from me.  I also understand that if this does happen, only the thief is responsible and accountable, not the administrators of this board, or the host (Invision.)
2)   I shall be courteous and offer constructive criticism to other’s prose. This does not mean I cannot be brutally honest, but my intention must be to aid the other authors, not to belittle them. Likewise, I should not just say that their work is the best thing since sliced bread unless I really mean it…authors cannot hone their craft without constructive criticism. I understand that others will be expected to treat me in the same fashion. I understand that constructive debate is encouraged, not just one-off criticism, because it can delve further into a subject and open up new avenues. I understand that this concept should not lead to flame wars, however. I understand that this is a conceit within this board, and that Real Life Editors ™ can be harsh and not prone to debate.
3)   There are no requirements on this board for members to read/review a certain amount before they can post their own work. It is therefore my own responsibility to let people know I have new work posted if I want people to review it. I understand that some authors may receive more attention from readers than others, because of this lack of structure. The reason for this board lacking such requirements is to encourage a stress free, creative environment. I do understand that despite this, I will be expected to comment on other’s work and participate in the community, rather than just post my prose and wait for the comments to flood in.
4)   I understand that there may be the occasional non-writer on the boards who is here to help. Likewise, it is possible that there may be authors who help, but don’t post their prose.
5)   I understand that I may recommend someone to join these boards, and that to do so, I need to tell the administrators…and have my recruit say that I sent them.

Comments?


Yup! Works. I likes.  ;)

8
Author Craft / Re: New Writer's Group from this Board
« on: January 08, 2007, 03:04:14 PM »
On the other hand, you can’t lay everything at the critiquer’s feet. If every time someone tells you something about your writing didn’t work for them, or didn’t flow well or might work better another way, you “debate” them or insist they’re just not seeing the masterful glory of your plan, then there’s really no reason for you to post your stuff. You’re not learning anything, you’re not growing and you clearly don’t care whether anyone besides you thinks you can write.

The whole point is to try to improve your craft by seeing your work through other’s eyes. If you’re just looking for a place where people will praise your blinding talent and then storm the streets of New York publishing demanding they offer you a contract...uh, asking other writers for their opinion probably isn’t the thing for you.

There WILL BE people who don’t like your writing, no matter how much you “debate” or “explain”. That doesn’t make them stupid, or no-talent, right, or wrong.  There will also be people who love your writing, and of course that means they’re uniquely gifted at spotting genuine genius.  ;D

If you are overly sensitive or defensive when it comes to your writing there’s a good chance you’re not ready for critiques or public readings. If you’re seeking publication, you HAVE to develop a tough skin. Editors, agents, and reviewers can be brutally blunt. You have to learn how to take criticism, and how to decide what to do with the criticisms.

For the most part, a critique is someone’s opinion. And they are entitled to it. Trying to “debate” them into changing their opinion is what causes things to deteriorate into flame wars and hurt feelings. If you can it’s best to just thank them for their time and decide on your own whether you’ll take or ignore their advice. Debating them won’t make you a better writer.

There should be a limit in the number of back and forth posts. 1) the initial critique. 2) the response by the author 3) the critiquer’s response. And that’s it! If they didn’t “get it”, they’re not going to, either way. Move on.

As an end thought...if there is something about your work that needs “explained” it’s not exactly reasonable to believe once you’re published you’ll be able to go to every person’s house who’s reading your stuff and “explain” it. So if you need to explain, maybe there’s a problem you’re not seeing.

Just a thought.

Also, we won’t be posting in a vacuum. Mean spirited critiques will be seen and dealt with I’m sure. ;)

9
Author Craft / Re: Published Author On Board
« on: December 26, 2006, 04:48:24 PM »
I have three books published through e-publishers. Two came out in print. Both are paranormal romances. The Shaman's Daughter, is a shapeshifter/ time travel. Fallen For You, involves a fallen angel and a witch. Fallen For You is a novella in Ellora's Cave, Cavemen anthology, Dreams of the Oasis 1 which is a collection of erotic stories. My third book is only in electronic format for now and it's a romantic comedy entitled Queen of Hearts, released through Cerridwen Press. I've got a short erotica coming out in February through Ellora's Cave, I, Robot Valentine, and, as always, am striving toward landing a contract with a brick and mortar house. I write under two names now, Alison Paige for works of erotic romance, and Paige Cuccaro for everything else. Depending on your definition of published I am and I'm not. :)

www.paigecuccaro.com
www.alisonpaige.net

10
Author Craft / Re: New Writer's Group from this Board
« on: December 23, 2006, 09:21:18 PM »
write...write...write...write...write...write...write...write...write...write...write...write...

*raises hand* ahem... Can I play too?

A writer's board sounds like a great idea and I'm always up for anything having to do with learning, practicing and improving the craft.   :)

I'm guessing it'll be announced on here when it's up and running and people can join. ???

Thanks for going to all this trouble Mickey! You da' Man!  ;D

write...write...write...write...write...write...write...write...write...write...write...write...

11
Non-Spoiler Answers / Question~ Dresden Books: On writing
« on: December 22, 2006, 04:29:28 PM »
After listening to the podcast (Great job! BTW) and listening to Jim's thoughts about other writer's take on the Dresden world and characters, I started wondering about his regrets. That, “ooo...wish I'd thought of that,” feeling he mentioned.

Q: Now that he sees how the story line opens up and the potential of what would basically be third person POV does Jim regret writing in the first person? (This is a stumbling block I struggle with. Deciding if a story is better told in the deep, deep perspective you get with first person, or with the variety and openness for the reader you get in third person.)

Q: What made him choose first person for Harry?

 If this is the wrong place for this, I humbly apologize and would appreciate if the powers that be moved it to the "right" place. Wherever that may be.  :P
Thanks!!

12
Author Craft / Re: Bad Reviews
« on: December 20, 2006, 02:57:38 PM »
My first thought was, ohmygod, that's cold!! I mean, mom is the one who's supposed to love everything you do and really believe it in her own twisted world view where you're a god /or goddess/ among mere humans.

And then I read your second post and realized you are likely young enough your mother might be thinking she's doing you a favor...saving you from years of disappointment and possibly ultimate failure...better to be a doctor, or a lawyer!   ::)

Whichever the case negative feed back is rough. Really rough. Writing is a very personal thing, while reading is comparatively impersonal, and very, very subjective. Other than time, a negligible amount of money and expectations, the reader invests little if nothing in comparison to what you’ve invested in a piece of work. It’s difficult, if not impossible for a reader, especially a non-writing reader, to understand the emotional connection a writer has to his or her work.
Unfortunately, no amount of explaining or comparing will make a difference. And Mama always knows best so I’d imagine it’d be even harder with her.

I agree with Iago, to be polite, be above the kneejerk hurt and urge to get even. It won’t do you or anyone else any good. The quickest way to bad reviews is to piss off the reviewer. Do it and you can bet they’ll trash everything else you ever write. Just not worth it.

Professionally speaking, getting a bad review on a published work... There’s very little you can do. Whine to an understanding friend, eat some chocolate (works really well for us women), hit something that won’t be hurt, hurt you, or hit back (works great for guys...and girls), cry if you need to...then put it behind you. NO. You can’t please everyone. Everyone has different tastes, different likes and dislikes. Example: There are people who actually think a Rocky SIX is a good idea (shudder) and stranger still, there are people who don’t love LOVE the Dresden files. (Gasp!) You’ll get bad reviews as sure as it will rain in spring. If one person says they didn’t enjoy your work, you can bet there’s someone out there who loved it. The negative voices just seem louder.

Pre-published critiques/ opinions...again, I agree with Iago. A simple, “I didn’t like it,” does you no good. Maybe they didn’t like the premise or the genre or any stories that use the word “said” who knows? (People are weird.) Ask them why they didn’t like it. If their comments make sense, try and learn from it. If they’re just trying to pull you down, or are one of those people who’s elevator doesn’t go all the way to the top...say thanks and then put it behind you. Keep writing. Keep getting better. Eat chocolate, hit something soft and inanimate then keep writing.

Your mom...speaking strictly personally, It’d be a long, long, long time before I showed her anything else. I’d assume she was just trying to point me in a different less emotionally painful, direction, toward a career where the odds of success aren’t stacked heaven high against me. You know better than anyone if it was tough love or callus indifference. And you know better than anyone how to deal with it.
Best of luck to you!!

13
Author Craft / Re: Your Writer's Place
« on: December 18, 2006, 07:01:50 PM »
Quote from: blgarver on December 18, 2006, 03:40:32 PM
I wonder where Mr. Butcher goes to create... ???

http://www.paigecuccaro.com/html/the_cave2.html

'bout halfway down the page, under the the Fred Flinstone cartoon. Jim at work.
Thanks to Shannon for snapping the pic. ;)

There are four pages of other author cave photos...er, office/ writing spaces.

Just sayin' ;D

14
Author Craft / Re: Bloody Research
« on: November 09, 2006, 08:30:34 PM »
Quote from: DaiDreamer5 on November 09, 2006, 03:23:23 AM
For that particular question, I am working on a zombie project.  One of the ideas I had to get to the brain was to poke two fingers into the eye sockets and rip the top of the skull off. You would use the face as leverage for this, but I don't think the facial structure is strong enough for this.  It might just collapse. 

Yeah, I think if you don't saw through the skull first, hooking fingers through the eye sockets will more likely rip the whole head from the neck. Now, what might work is if the zombie rips the head off then flips it over and rips the jaw off (simple hinge would break easy) then kind of scoop the brain out from the bottom. I dunno, I'd have to look at a skull to make sure.  ;D
Anyway, here's a good sight for bizarre anatomy type questions. Specifically for writers.
http://www.dplylemd.com/

Good luck!!



15
Author Craft / Re: How dark are you?
« on: October 27, 2006, 07:23:49 PM »
I don't think I'm dark, writer or otherwise. I don't want to be dark. I don't like to brood. I don't think it's cool, or enviable. I like to laugh. But there's darkness in everything, isn't there? Else how can we tell the light? I'm not dark, I have darkness in me. it's there. I see it come out at times. But it isn't even the half of me.

 8) Profound? er... maybe not.





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