Thanks to everyone for responding to the survey. I had almost a hundred replies and I'm very happy with the results. I will be getting up a group called "Who We Are As Writers" once I figure out how to do it and will post these comments on the site along with some statistics. I just found out I have editing to do for my publisher this weekend so unfortunately, it may be later on in the week. I'll let everyone know when it comes out. In the meantime you can still look at the 2 articles and see the responses.
Again, thanks so much for your input. You should be seeing something soon! Minnette :)
Something I'm really interested in is what the make up of this group is, so if you have the time, I would love to have you answer the following questions about yourself. Since I KNOW writers love to talk about themselves, this should be EASY - Anyone game?
So, here goes:
What type of books do you read when your NOT reading War and Peace to impress your friends? These are the ones that you put inside the dictionary at the library to hide.
How long have you been writing (& I don't mean today)?
Have you been or are you going to be published? When? Who by?
How much time do you spend on promotion? What's your most effective "weapon" for getting your name out there?
What is your genre(s)? How many books, short stories or poetry have you written in each?
How many hours per week do you write?
Thanks for answering all these questions. If this works out, I think I'll do an article since I think this might be interesting to other writers. Thanks for being guinea pigs - I love experimenting on people - It's such a thrill ~Mo-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha~
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Comments: 17
(mostly so that I'll remember to come back to see other people's responses )
What type of books do you read when your NOT reading War and Peace to impress your friends? These are the ones that you put inside the dictionary at the library to hide.
For about a week during my seventh grade year, teachers would stop me and ask if i were reading War and Peace. No, was my reply. I hefted the large book with it's steadily progressing bookmark to show the golden lettered spine;
"When Worlds Collide"
I've read mostly sci-fi and fantasy fiction, some large handfuls of various religious writings and art texts; and some smaller handfuls of creative adult fiction, classics and poetry. I've also read a good smattering of small business books (to no avail) and a similar amount of books on the arts and crafts of writing.
I haven't been reading much lately. I find that really getting into someone's work taints the pathways of my brain. Since I'm working on some stories of my own, I don't want any influences that might bleed over.
I did work my way through the complete Dark Tower series over the past two years. I suppose that's an accomplishment.
When I want to toot my horn for being a good reader, I snobbishly state that I read every single word Ayn Rand wrote in the long winded dissertations she included in both Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead. I used to state this blandly, with candor, but became miffed at those who ridiculed the thought of "wasting" the time to read every word when she was just stating the same thing over and over with different words.
I smile when people say that now. There's a reason Ms. Rand restated some things in a thousand different ways. It's called nuance.
How long have you been writing (& I don't mean today)?
When I was in the third grade the teacher said I showed a significant aptitude for making up stories to go along with pictures. I remember looking at the pictures she had handed out for the exercise and my brain just spit out stories to go along with them. I also remembered that I loved doing it.
My affairs with writing were sporadic throughout my youth, my teens and twenties. From my late twenties through today my focus and practice on writing has swung in alternating cycles with my desires to practice art and photography. I often kept journals that alternated between diary entries and fanciful stories. I've been significantly dedicated to the writing gig since coming to Gather.
Have you been or are you going to be published? When? Who by?
I once did the conceptualization, artwork, layout, printing and mailing for a non-profit newsletter with over fifteen hundred subscribers. Years later I did the layout and publishing of a private for-profit legislative newsletter which I also wrote some reports for. I have had letters to the editor published.
Apart from that, nothing yet. Does Gather count?
I may self-publish. I'm saving up for the ISBNs now. I may go the electronic route. I already have a web site. I may also try selling copies printed locally at street fairs and cafe's (with the owner's permission). I was thinking that I might also market excerpts to magazines.
How much time do you spend on promotion? What's your most effective "weapon" for getting your name out there?
I can only practice promotion at this point. I can only tell people that I'm a writer working on a book(s). I expect the Internet to be a key.
What is your genre(s)? How many books, short stories or poetry have you written in each?
I am currently working on five books.
A sci-fi story; for which I have completed a synopsis, a formal outline, and five of the ten planned chapters. I'd estimate the current word count at just over eleven thousand. I've also crafted a number of graphic images for this story.
A book of poetry; which I feel that I need to write a dozen or more poems for, in order to fill it out properly.
A contemporary adult fiction story that stalled a few months ago at four thousand words.
A book of American Essays; which I probably have more than enough material for, but am holding back on in hopes of crafting a few more sparkling gems to include.
And a picture book of my digital art.
How many hours per week do you write?
I think it's safe to say that I spend thirty to forty hours per week writing. I have a huge amount of unshared text files; musings and writings that either never went anywhere, sparked a new train of thought, or became enfolded in a different writing. During the average week, I write about two thousand words per day. Most of it's crap; but I'm learning.
** Did I just right a major introductory bio?
1. I read anything that comes to hand and especially computer books. In years gone by I read all the great authors and all the excitingg one. In the past 10 days I've been reading about Beaudelaire, Verlaine and Rimbaud
2. I've been writing for 3 1/2 years.
3. I was published by Enchanting Visions last week and a Bollywood producer is looking seriously at one of my novels.
4. My friends and I are starting up an international marketing e - business wthin the next few months.
5. I'm male. I've written 5 novels and countless short stories and poems.
6. Normally I write about 28 hours per week.
Hope that this has been useful Fred
Seems like forever.
Have you been or are you going to be published? When? Who by?
Published? Yes. I had two mysteries published by Deadly Alibi Press. I have had over two dozen stories published in small press magazines and some e-zines. I was columnist for a large daily newspaper (94,000 readers) for two years. I have won numerous prizes for everything from fiction to poetry. I appeared as a guest on A&E's City Confidential for a true crime I'm working on. The episode was called Anatomy of a Marriage, it still airs from time to time. I am currently President and Conference Coordinator for Emerald Coast Writers (roughly 100 members) in northwest Florida.
How much time do you spend on promotion? What's your most effective "weapon" for getting your name out there?
Promotion should be my middle name. Working on the annual conference affords me great access to editors and agents. Also, I spend a lot of time traveling and giving speeches. Networking is essential in this business.
What is your genre(s)? How many books, short stories or poetry have you written in each?
I can provide a list if you like. My publishing credits include, poetry, a sci fi novella, serialized in Futures Magazine for a year, two mystery novels, one true crime, (I self-published that one) childrens stories, tons of short fiction, one in a Barnes & Noble anthology. And so on...
How many hours per week do you write?
Not enough. I currently have two books under consideration with publishers, and their acceptance looks good at this point. In other words, they have passed the query stage and are in-house for a final look.
My husband and I live on a small barrier island off Florida's Emerald Coast and spend as much time as we can on our boat, Code One. The joy of being a writer is that you can do it from anywhere. Do I make a lot of money from writing? Heavens no, but there is nothing I would rather do.
Here are my answers:
I've been writing, since I was about eleven or twelve.
I've had poetry published in a Newsletter which my office building used to print for tenants in downtown L.A. (they published one of my poems a month for a year) and I had a short story (fiction article) published in the Downtown News. I had a tribute/poem printed in the L.A. Times which I wrote on the day Dr. Seuss died. My poetry covers everything from humorous to reflective, rhyming to free verse.
I have a novel in the 4th draft stage, which I think I'll finish in about 150 years or so! I figure I'll be available for book signings in about 2157, at the rate I'm going. (I just keep making changes/corrections). I'd like to get an agent when I consider the book done, but I have taken some classes in writing for publication, so I might make a stab at sending it off myself. I don't want to spend too much time on the peddling portion, since I'd rather write. I write in several genres, my book is a mystery/psychological drama (??), but my short stories/articles are sometimes comedic and sometimes tragic.
I write at least 2 hours a day.
What type of books do you read when your NOT reading War and Peace to impress your friends? These are the ones that you put inside the dictionary at the library to hide.
I tend to lean towards new literature (Michael Chabon, the latest from Martin Amis...), old stuff I never read but felt I should (the Executioner's Song, Gravity's Rainbow...), horror or sci fi.
How long have you been writing (& I don't mean today)?
Seriously, about five years.
Have you been or are you going to be published? When? Who by?
One article in scr(i)pt magazine, last year.
How much time do you spend on promotion? What's your most effective "weapon" for getting your name out there?
none. I have a writing partner in Hollywood that does it all for our joint stuff. My solo stuff I haven't promoted much.
What is your genre(s)? How many books, short stories or poetry have you written in each?
horror, drama/fantasy, action... No books, short stories or poetry, but I've written five feature scripts and am currently adapting an old sci fi novel.
How many hours per week do you write?
varies. when I travel for business, close to 20. regular weeks, about 5
Here are a few more:
1. I read a lot of religious and history books. Right now I'm reading about the Catholic Church.
2. I've been writing off and on for the past twenty or so years. It's only been within the last six or seven I've taken my writing seriously.
3. Yes, I'm under contract with an ebook press called LoveStruck Books. I have two contemporary romances coming out in January and April of 2008.
4. I have a website that I update every few weeks or so. I'm also a member of a bunch of Yahoo groups. And I'm trying to get more personal with my writing by telling people about it. It's not easy for me. I'm still not quite sure what to say.
5. I mostly write contemporary romances. I just finished a paranormal romance a few weeks ago. Right now I have two partially finished WIPs and three finished ms. Two of them are getting critiqued now. I also wrote an erotic novella set in the future.
6. Not enough. I hate my job!
I can't wait to read you article. It should be interesting.
Q. What type of books do you read when your NOT reading War and Peace to impress your friends? These are the ones that you put inside the dictionary at the library to hide.
A. Anything and everything really. I like varied genres.
Q. How long have you been writing (& I don't mean today)?
A. On and off since I was about 6 years old lol!
Q. Have you been or are you going to be published? When? Who by?
A. I have had a handful of short stories broadcast on local radio.
Q. How much time do you spend on promotion? What's your most effective "weapon" for getting your name out there?
A. Erm... probably not enough. I help run a community writing website and I have 2 blogs, which I try to keep updated - but with real life and stuff, it's not always easy.
Q. What is your genre(s)? How many books, short stories or poetry have you written in each?
A. I'm currently trying my hand at a mystery/ romance novel. Have also attempted urban fantasy (all three NaNos I've completed seemed to fit that genre). Short stories have varied but tend to fit the contemporary romance - sometimes with a dark turn in them.
Q. How many hours per week do you write?
A. Not sure - it varies. If I'm Nanowing (NaNoWriMo - crazy writing comp each November, 50,000 words in the month...) then I'm focussed and I write several hours a day. The rest of the year, it's a bit hit and miss to be honest. I do try to put in at least an hour a day, sometimes I'm lucky enough to manage more.
Hope that helps.
Q:What type of books do you read when your NOT reading War and Peace to impress your friends? These are the ones that you put inside the dictionary at the library to hide.
A:Whatever I want. I do not read to impress. I read almost anything if the writing is well done. I am reading the Politics of Jesus,The Ruins, and Water for Elephants.
Q:How long have you been writing (& I don't mean today)?
A:Since I was in the 2nd grade. When I was a child I played magazine editor/writer, and since then my writing is for many different purposes. I know I amuse myself when I write.
Q:Have you been or are you going to be published? When? Who by?
A:I was published in a college literary review. I plan on being published someday.
Q:How much time do you spend on promotion? What's your most effective "weapon" for getting your name out there?
A: What? I have no clue.
Q: What is your genre(s)? How many books, short stories or poetry have you written in each?
A: I have done poetry and that is what was published. I would like to do short stories because they seem the most challenging to me.
Q:How many hours per week do you write?
A:Not as much as I would like. I'd say 10 hours per week at this time.
2. I wrote poetry and my first story in elementary school. I worked as a tech writer in the 90s. I wrote the first of my novels less than 10 years ago.
3. Yes I'm going to be published! The when and who have yet to be determined.
4. I haven't promoted myself or my work yet. Not outside of writers' groups and Gather.
5. I write medieval adventure--knights and swords. I have completed 2 novels in a series, with perhaps 2 more to come.
6. When I'm actively writing, I can spend 30-35 hours a week writing, most of it at night.
I read all kinds of genres of books. I find I read along themes or genres and then move on to another. Lately I've found myself delving in the murder mysteries. I've become a big fan of Margaret Truman's books that all take place in Washington D.C. She brings her experiences from living in D.C. as the daughter of a president to her writing.
How long have you been writing (& I don't mean today)?
I don't remember when I started writing. I do remember when I stopped writing. It was fifth grade and my writing was mocked by a teacher. That night I went home and took trip after trip to the trash dump and burned them. Only a few pieces survived the great burning. I began writing again in my 30's and on my 40th birthday I wrote in my journal for the first time, "I'm a writer and I will be published and produced." I have written that as an affirmation daily with a slight change, it now goes, " I'm a writer and I will continue to be published and produced." I'm now 50 years old.
Have you been or are you going to be published? When? Who by?
I've had poems published in a regional newspaper, The Appalachian Connection. Poems published in two issues of The Appalachian Women's Journal,
a poem published in the book, Poetry as Prayer, Appalachian Women Speak.
Poems presented as part of Writer's Exchange--will be done in Berea in July and NYC in August and possibly November
Poem presented as part of--Mountain Women Rising--this piece is traveling across the USA
An essay in each of three books in The Rocking Chair Reader series. I'm in consideration for another essay in another book.
My plays have been done as company or staged readings or full productions.
Berea College---The Circle of Voices (co-written with my husband)
Berea College--Especially Grandparents (co-written during a playwriting class0
Berea College--puppet plays
Biwa Theatre--puppet plays--Biwa, Japan
Iida Puppet Festival--puppet plays--Iida, Japan
Iowa State University--puppet plays--Ames, Iowa
Kentucky Women's Playwright Festival--LUMPs
Hedgerow Theatre--LUMPs (company reading) LUMPs
Live Girls!--LUMPs (staged reading)
Lexington Children's Theatre--LUMPs (staged reading)
Western Illinois University--LUMPs (staged reading)
Berea International Festival--Footprints of Ancestors
Berea Quilt Festival--Granny Biddings & Judging Quilts (to be presented this August)
How much time do you spend on promotion? What's your most effective "weapon" for getting your name out there?
I'm always prepared to discuss my writing and getting it presented or published. I think my passion is the most powerful tool to get my name out there. I constantly look for opportunities. I believe in creating opportunities
What is your genre(s)? How many books, short stories or poetry have you written in each?
My favorite genre is plays. So far I've written at least 10 full-length plays and 10 short plays
I've written rough drafts of 3 novels.
Short stories--probably at least 10 (there seems to be a pattern here!)
Poems--over 60
Essays--about 15
How many hours per week do you write?
I write at least 40 hours a week except in the summer. For some reason I'm not able to write that much. It might be my husband being a prof. at a college is often home more often or my body just wants a break from writing. It seems I write more poetry in the summer. I seldom work on plays in the summer.
A. I read a lot of children's literature by authors like J.K. Rowling, Avi, and Kate DiCamillo. I've recently made the decision to tackle a long list of books which are considered old and read by everyone such as, The Three Musketeers, Dracula, Moby Dick, The Jungle Book, Tarzan, Pride and Prejudice, The Last of the Mohicans...*pant, pant* Get the point? And I am also enjoying them! I also love to snuggle up with historical romance novels by my favorite authors such as, Pamela Labud, Stephanie Laurens, Suzanne Enoch, and Lisa Kleypas.
Q. How long have you been writing (& I don't mean today)?
A. I have only been steadily writing or writing with a devout purpose, for about two years.
Q. Have you been or are you going to be published? When? Who by?
A. Nope. I am a real baby of a writer.
Q. How much time do you spend on promotion? What's your most effective "weapon" for getting your name out there?
A. This is a difficult question to answer as I don't see it applying to me at this time. I really don't promote myself much and at any rate I obviously don't do it enough.
Q. What is your genre(s)? How many books, short stories or poetry have you written in each?
A. I have not written a book, but my essays are nonfiction and most are about my own story. The first book I complete will probably be my memoir.
Q. How many hours per week do you write?
A. I'm guessing that I probably spend about 6 to 8 hours writing in a week's time. I rarely keep or show much of what I write.
What type of books do you read when your NOT reading War and Peace to impress your friends? These are the ones that you put inside the dictionary at the library to hide.
Well I'm not ashamed of reading anything, if that's what you mean. I read a great deal of satire, urban fantasy and contemporary noir/thriller. If I had to pick an author to represent each genre I'd say, respectively, Pratchett, Gaimon and Lehane.
How long have you been writing (& I don't mean today)?
Writing as in keeping a journal? Third grade. Writing as in trying to create short stories and novels? I tried to write my first novel at 17 First collection of short stories at 18. At 22 I began writing my "real" first novel and have been working on that since I recently completed it.
Have you been or are you going to be published? When? Who by?
Nope. I've only started to look for an agent starting in early July of 2007. So far, I can't even get a query letter pick up.
Do I hope to be? God, I sure as hell hope to be.
How much time do you spend on promotion? What's your most effective "weapon" for getting your name out there?
I've spent zero hours and zero minutes on promotion. I've nothing to promote.
What is your genre(s)? How many books, short stories or poetry have you written in each?
My Genre is Urban Fantasy. It can broadly fit into either Fantasy or Sci-Fi.
How many hours per week do you write?
Eight on a light week. Twenty-fve or more on a damn good one.