Are you a writer?

[Q]

Many of us are musicians, and several of us are artists, but how many YesFans are pro or semi-pro writers?

Have you published, and if so, how often?

Was it fiction, non-fiction, academic, poetry, etc?

In my own case, I've published all of the above (with the exception of poetry - but have had some trivial success as a lyricist) and had great fun doing it. At the moment, my role as a columnist is probably what I spend the majority of my professional time doing. I've even had the opportunity to write about our favorite band, on numerous occasions!

Anybody else?

Q

[Dances w/PURPLE]

We have a member that I know is a writer.

[BrianD]

I write a lot, mainly academic articles in journals and books but also columns and newsletters. I have a non fiction book about Alzheimer's disease that will be published this year. I also do a lot of editing, am editing my second book now and also edit a website. I have plans for another non-fictional book in a few years about the prevention of depression in later life.

One day I will probably attempt a fictional work - I'm not sure when but now that I have two publishers at least I have my foot in the door to getting it read. I recall when at uni I was very keen to write sci-fi for a while but I was never serious. I did draft out a plot but I don't remember it now and I'm sure it was probably quite trashy. At this stage I really don't know what genre I might attempt.

[Q]

That's more or less my story, Brian, except that I've been a part-time journalist for most of my professional life - and 4/5 of that has been writing about music. I've had the great pleasure of appearing in RS, and still do concert and album reviews for our metro paper ...

... and I was sci-fi, too, in my early fiction (did 2 books, both of them horrible) ... but non-fiction is far easier, as I'm sure you've found ...

[Joedude]

Does writing lots of internal work memos count?

[Sheerah]

I've always been tempted to attempt a fiction novel.

[Gato]

I write. In fact, that's one of the things I do I'm paid for (it's part of my work, I mean). Academic (articles in specialised journals and books), although I hate being published (but I love writing anyway).

One of the reasons is that one takes the risk of being quoted with praise later by someone who has gotten the thing all wrong (I'd rather be attacked by someone who's gotten it right than that).
The other reason is that I will end up being invariably unhappy with anything I write once some time has passed (I suppose this is good anyway - supposedly, it proves one keeps on improving).

Both things have prevented me from wanting to put out any book yet. I'll wait till I'm older (and wiser, if possible).

My friends want me to write fiction, too. Some of them have read some demented stories I've started but never ended, and every time in a while I'm asked to go for it. I'm afraid I'd be banned in half the world if I ever did.

[BrianD]

Originally posted by Gato
I write. In fact, that's one of the things I do I'm paid for (it's part of my work, I mean). Academic (articles in specialised journals and books), although I hate being published (but I love writing anyway).

One of the reasons is that one takes the risk of being quoted with praise later by someone who has gotten the thing all wrong (I'd rather be attacked by someone who's gotten it right than that).
The other reason is that I will end up being invariably unhappy with anything I write once some time has passed (I suppose this is good anyway - supposedly, it proves one keeps on improving).



Gato - I think the joy of writing is in the publication so that you can have your ideas and opinions discussed by others. As you say, some get it wrong but thats life. Otherwise you may as well just keep a diary.

As for whether what you write stands the test of time - well unless you stagnate with your ideas, it is inevitable that what you write in one era will have evolved over time - just go with the flow, its part of the quest for knowledge and understanding. Nothing is perfect.

[Earl Grey]

FIRE!
FIRE!

And emptiness


The page shook it's fist at me


ding dong dell


who owns the printer that prints only truth?


how many pages would it spit?


are we the hand that hovers over varient letters


or the comma lost in the errent downfall of the haphazard keystone-corpulence?


a comet has a tale


there are always words.
Strobe-light ultraflash-minisculatia high-deepthink triumph window-glow afterfact this now and now


pitch


silver murcurial brightly edged silicon board-widths of imagination this and this and this...

And who would publish it?

Not you or you or.....

Hmm.
~~~~~~~~

I had an article published in a YES Fanzine from Amsterdam once...

Does that count?

:ele: ;)

[nightliner]

I started a fictional novel several years ago based on a dream that I had. I know how I what it to end, but I got stuck in the middle and never got to the ending.

Its a shame to, I think it would of made a great movie. Just my biased opinion, of course.;) Although, I have to say others that I have told the plot to said it sounding like it could be good.

[Sheerah]

I nearly forgot, as it took place in a time long ago, in a land far, far away: New Jersey, 1980!

I had a summer internship at a talk radio station in Plainfield, New Jersey. The News Director hired me. I took copy off of the AP machine, and rewrote it for broadcast. Also, I would go to little town meetings and such, tape recorder and pad in tow, trenchcoat, fedora with an index card stuck in the trim, which read PRESS. (I made that last part up). I would piece together little taped stories with sound bytes from my little interviews.

Hey, I guess I am a writer!

[nightliner]

In that case, I'm a real writer too. I did that for 2 years. I even had a real press pass.

[Earl Grey]

We begin our document with a scan and pan of an empty plane of deep straiated adobe-rock bloodstone giving-way to cliff
olive scrub-grass hold close to the serrated edge
a mile high
a single violet desert-flower
grasp the crevise
as it's all there is
and is

A cerebral cortex of silvered cloud hovers weightily over the platue
a tit-mouse scrabbles over some tid-bit of
this and this
as a stray hawk glides hoverness
and swoops
under the over and now
we see the silence
burning against the desert floor like a refuge
from the idlewylde
and up again
this breath
and down and
down
into the canyon depth

shadows and river
go a-rafting
whistling down the
slivers of foam-flecked
mile-high canyon twists and this

one cliffrose is
and is
minute and this
alive
in it

Alive!

And it's time for the projectionist to change the reel...

real to reel

:ele:

[nightliner]

Not scan and pan (or pan and scan). You want widescreen.:D

[Earl Grey]

No.

I'm a 'typer'.

Or maybe an archetype.

Typing this pilgrim's journey through natural arches and canyon-folds of mystery: camping beneath a firey sky, drinking campfire coffee with a swig of Jack Daniels swirling amid the coffeegrounds on the bottom of a tin cup...

All from the comfort of my kitchen, behind a computer screen that often appears to be a window on far places.

But a writer? Naw. A typer.
Play magic fingers...
HAHA!

;)

[Q]

Earl's modesty is misplaced.

He is a superb writer, as his various "travelogue" posts will attest, and it's time he put that great gift to work in some serious arena ...

... and he's a hell of a lyricist, too ...

Q

[Gato]

Originally posted by BrianD
Gato - I think the joy of writing is in the publication so that you can have your ideas and opinions discussed by others. As you say, some get it wrong but thats life. Otherwise you may as well just keep a diary.
As for whether what you write stands the test of time - well unless you stagnate with your ideas, it is inevitable that what you write in one era will have evolved over time - just go with the flow, its part of the quest for knowledge and understanding. Nothing is perfect.

You're absolutely right, Brian.

It's not so much that I hate being published as the fact that I hate being praised by someone who's gotten it all wrong, which I've always found to be most embarrassing.

There have only been two serious instances of this in my career, and both were quite nightmarish (perhaps that's why the weight so much on me).

I mean, once I even received a 15-sheet or so hand-written letter (hey, fan-mail! LOL) commenting in very praising terms an article I'd written and asking for advice. The man hadn't understood a single word, and it was painstakingly killing to come up with a non-offensive reply, as this could only suggest in the end that he re-read the thing once he had undergone the learning that would render him able to actually understand it, and then agree or disagree.

As for the test of time... it's how it is and it's a positive thing, of course. I'd be happier, though, if I could get each and every copy of any of my older published works and burn them all ;)

[Earl Grey]

Aw shucks.

Thanks bro. That's a fine compliment, coming from you, and it means much to me.

You know, I've said this before, but I'll repeat myself here: I often think of our little 'ol website as a continuing novel written 'communally' by a group of close friends...

There was a fine symphony written by commitee in the former Soviet Union called 'The Yellow River' (Which causes one's mind to conjure all sorts of unkind jokes concerning the title! Haha! I think the 'committee' could have come up with something better than that... excuse me, I suddenly have to pee man! Yikes! HAR!).
So a communal tome isn't unheard of. And I feel honored to express myself within such a magical place as this. I put my all into it, and never hold back.

As far as writing something 'bound', rather than the free-form novel we are writing here on Yesfans...

Well, you never know. I may venture in the realms of writ at some point. I always wanted to do such, truth be told.

So who knows. Age isn't really a factor in literary circles (age IS, unfortunately, a factor in musical arenas of expression. If you are over 40, forget it man! Unless you are already established. And even then it's a hard row to hoe, competing with the young-turk of the moment).
We'll see.
Future times will stand and clearly see.
~~~~~~

You are ALWAYS the greatest encouragement Q.
A good friend of heart and mind.
I Thank You 'Grampy'. ;)
~~~

That grandkid of yours is lucky to have such a cool grandfather.
I wish I had had someone like you for a Grandpa.

And you are a WONDERFUL writer Q. The best.

I am so blessed to have made such wonderful thoughtful friends here on Yesfans.
The best of friends.
I feel blessed every day.
You all make me think and feel.
And THAT is what it's all about.

So, thank you Q. And thank you all.
You truly rock my world.


Earlieburlie:yesbird:

[Thoughtbecontact]

I have always, first and foremost, been a writer. The only thing I was before a writer was my parents' daughter. It's my reason to be here.

My college degree is in Communication Arts, but my emphasis within that was writing. I have worked in various forms of media--just about the only form I haven't worked in is television. In college I was a disc jockey and pubic relations director at our school's radio station and I interned as a news writer at a local commercial radio station.

The full-time jobs I had--which seem a lifetime ago now--were as a writer at a small industrial/corporate advertising and public relations firm, and as a newspaper writer/editor.

For more than 15 years now, I have defined myself as freelance writer. I have written and designed brochures, newsletters, etc. for small companies. (I also did some part-time paid public relations and marketing work for the YMCA where I taught fitness classes for years, but they screwed me royally in more ways than one.) I also write feature articles--most of what I have publishd has either been sports-related or quasi-medical type articles wit a few personality profiles mixed in. My work has appeared in several large magazines, including Parents and Boys' Life, a few smaller ones too, and in the Chicago Tribune.

For several years in the early 90s, I was first a board member, then later, the president of a local writers' workshop. Because of that forum, I have several works of fiction, none of which have been published. I had a young adult novel that did garner then attention of an agent for a time, but nothing came of it. Mostly, I like to dabble in speculative/fantasy fiction, and I'm currently reworking an old short story and trying to embark on a new, longer work. Because of my association with the writers' workshop, for several years I also designed and typeset a small literary magazine and had input on pieces published in it. I have read reams of bad poetry that were submitted for consideratin, and although I'm not good at writing poetry myself, I can critique it.

Because of having my "bonus child" almost four years ago, I haven't written as much during that time, but I'm on my way back. I currently have a magazine assignment and have a number of queries out there. The fiction is getting a good look too. This is something that defines me, it is something I have to do. I exist because I am a writer. It is in my blood.


Now...I have exhorted my thread co-author, Peter, to post here too because he has probably written more professionally than the rest of us combined!

[R'tanys]

FINISH the screenplay
FINISH the novel
FINISH the web comic.

I'd certainly like to call myself a writer. Especially if it helps pay the mortgage. I've been published (op ed pieces mostly), yet, not professionally.
I think the highest praise anyone could receive is someone willing to part with their hard earned sheckles to expose themselves to your work.
So it had better be good.

[Gato]

Originally posted by R'tanys
FINISH the web comic.

Hey, I'd love to see this one!

(Also, the other two, of course - but this one...).

Go for it, R'tanys!

[R'tanys]

This one is a work in progress, Gato. It will take some time, since it's a collaboration with six other people, but it will be good. I'll post a link here when we're all set. Stay tuned.

[PeterCologne]

... but I am a writer. It is my job. I am working for Colgne biggest daily newspaper as an editor. 14 years ago I started writing about all kinds of local stuff. Then they asked me to be the "Police Reporter". I had almost 4 years of hell, writing about murder, kidnapping, fires and stuff. Had a beeper, but never enough sleep. Because , unfortunatly, a lot of crime is going on in darkness. But I did learn much about journalism - precise writing, how to get correct news, the balance between facts and entertainment and so on - I also learned a lot about life and dealing with people.

But I love much more, what I did/do afterwards. I was responsible for local cultural-themes and always wrote about social-affairs: Aids, Prostitution, homeless people for example. I like to create a good story, that gives insight in such problems, tries to give an image about poeple, catches the reader, but most of all does not try to impress with cheap emotions and by being unfair to people (which sadly is not always the case in journalism, not in Germany, not in the US). And sometimes I am lucky to get all of this together.

I even was responsible for the Cologne Carnival - besides the one in Rio and maybe New Oreleans - the biggest on the planet. It is not my world, but fascinating in sociological and cultural terms. And it is a bonfire of vanities. I even wrote a book about that. Now I do mostly editors work, organizing, making the layout and headlines, correcting texts.

I would love to write in a more creative sense, I sometimes do a little poetry, but I am not sure If I would be able to write a novel. Maybe I will take this challenge some day. And hey, I always thiught to write a book about Yes. A fascinating theme, which includes everything, life has to offer, Love, Grace, Hate, Idealism, Money, much more, and Characters as different and rich as every author desires.

Greetings

Peter

[Q]

Peter, what a pleasure to learn this about you! I have been a newspaper columnist with our metro paper for 19 years, and did 5 years for smaller papers before that --- so i've had a "boss" in your role for my entire adult life!

I also deal with book editors and journal editors --- but i must say that my most pleasurable writer/editor relationships have always been with my newspaper editors!

Q

(I was also a police reporter for a year --- and what a tough year it was! kept me hopping ...)

[PeterCologne]

Q, what kind of columns do you write? Well, I think newspaper-editors are thankful for writers with a good own style. Journal-editors tend more to force poeple to follow a special style, with that the Journal wants to express.

Did you ever try to put in something about Yes? I try once in a while. Right at the moment, I write a big feature-story about my personal relationship to the Rhine, the river has a certain atmosphere of music - the ships, the waves, the wind etc. - and I compared that at some point to my favourite music: Yes. Wish, I would have the chance, to do this more often.

Greetings

Peter

[Q]

Peter, I presently write several technology columns on the internet. I administrate for a therapy-based web forum that requires me to write at length. I write about popular music for our metro paper (for two decades now --- I've interviewed everyone from Amy Grant to Alice Cooper) ... I also did a pop culture column once, a column about health issues, and a science-for-the-masses column. I actually miss doing all of those and wish I was doing them again (not that I don't enjoy writing about music and IT ...)

I've reviewed every Yes album since 90125 in print, with the exception of THE LADDER, and done two Yes concert reviews in my column.

I've written several obscure and trivial books --- and one of them was a music-history work of sorts, specific to prog rock ...

[PeterCologne]

... the one thing, I always desired the most, I've never really got -writing intensively about pop-music. Fate or whatvever - sometimes I was just tired - wanted me to do different things. But I am the creator and editor for a neverending music-series in my newspaper since two years. It is called "Klangprobe", something like Soundcheck. Me and some younger writers introduce young cologne Bands and solo-musicians - reaches from Electronic, Rock, World-Music to Jazz and Punk. Once in a while I do a special-story, maybe about: How do you get a record-deal or What do you need for a Live-Show etc. And sometimes I can put in something about my favourite music, Yes, Steel Dan and stuff.

Hey, you seem to be really creative with a wide range of themes. Medicine I do too sometimes, an important theme. Would like to read some of your reviews, especially the one for Open Your Eyes.

Greetings

Peter

[Q]

Happy to send them to you, Peter ... provide me with a destination ... will be interested in your feedback!

Q

[Thoughtbecontact]

He has also written a book, and hasn't told us who it is dedicated to!

[Q]

In Peter's case, I'm sure it's modesty at work --- but I'd love to hear more about it!

Q

[Thoughtbecontact]

Q---
Peter's book on the Cologne mardi gras fair is dedicated to the one and only Mr. Chris Squire!

[Q]

now that is extremely cool ...

[PeterCologne]

... only very few people in the cologne carnival scene do know, who Yes and Chris Squire are. But every time I am asked, I become a missionary and try to convince people to listen to this music. And there are others, who read that book - and memorize Yes again. Well, the rate of success is not so high, but one or two people more every yeasr who maybe buy a yes-album are better than none. But most of all, this dedication is just my personal pleasure - and it makes me smile to know, that god or nature gave us Chris Squire.

Greetings

Peter

[Q]

There are times when things I've written give me an excuse to talk up Yes, and it gives me great pleasure, even when I don't succeed in converting anyone!

Q

[Thoughtbecontact]

Originally posted by PeterCologne
... only very few people in the cologne carnival scene do know, who Yes and Chris Squire are. But every time I am asked, I become a missionary and try to convince people to listen to this music. And there are others, who read that book - and memorize Yes again. Well, the rate of success is not so high, but one or two people more every yeasr who maybe buy a yes-album are better than none. But most of all, this dedication is just my personal pleasure - and it makes me smile to know, that god or nature gave us Chris Squire.

Greetings

Peter

So, it's Reverend Peter...or Father Peter?...or...

Where to now St. Peter?
If it's true I'm in your hands
I may not be a Christian
But I've done all one man (in my case, woman) can
I understnad I'm on the road
Where all that was is gone
So where to now?
Show me which road I'm on.

...might be appropriate for our other thread!

[Sheerah]

He is actually Peter Power; but that's a whole other story;)



Hey Peter, very cool, about this book! I didn't know that about you. I love the idea of the article on the Rhine. I would absolutely love to see a copy of it. However, I am thinking that it will be written in German, and I'm afraid that the one or two German words that I know, wouldn't allow me to appreciate the article. :crybby:

[Dances w/PURPLE]

Ready for another excerpt Peter.

[illusion]

If I ever get sent down I think I'll write a book. I probably have the ability to write a book but I'd need some sort of kick-start, eg prison.

[Thoughtbecontact]

I just found that out yesterday, thanks to Earlie. Actually, Ron works as an editor. Don't know why he has never posted here, but he should.

[Dances w/PURPLE]

you would fit into my artsy fartsy friends group. We have a new member, a writer from England!! Lovely accent. She was nervous about doing some Shakespeare on stage, worried about the crowd. Told her once the accent was apparent, a hush would fall upon the room. This happened. We're so easy.

I'd love to see some excerps, some stories, short story excerps would be great.

[Roddi]

I like to write just as a hobby...much like music is to me these days. Read my free on-line Fantasy Novel "The Keeper" at
http://www.lightspeed-rocks.net/keeper

Rod

[Dances w/PURPLE]

didn't read the whole piece but you had me at the intro page with the great layout in the back and the castle. VERY cool site.

[Roddi]

Thanks DWP....while you're floating around our website you can view my art at

http://www.lightspeed-rocks.net/rodchappell/index.html