For as long as I can remember I have written stories. For an equal amount of time I have likewise scorned my literary attempts in every way possible. I cannot recall how many screenplays, short stories and novels I have thrown out simply due to doubt. It wasn't until a few weeks ago when I was speaking with a friend that I realized that writing and getting a novel (or 20 novels) published is at the top of my bucket list.
So far I like where writing has taken me. I don't know what everyone else does in their process, but I immerse myself in a subject. Suspension of disbelief is huge for me, its usually why I don't like Sci-fi or Fantasy. Though it can't be denied that many of our most timeless stories around the world can be considered Sci-fi or Fantasy. I tend to gravitate towards crime, thrillers, suspense, and police/military procedurals. I've met people of terrible intent, people of ridiculous opulence, been to nearly every continent, and lost and found myself many times over - simply in an attempt to find a new world or existence to write about. I didn't even know there was a name for this until I discovered Hunter S. Thompson in my early twenties. He called it Gonzo journalism, so I guess that makes me a gonzo novelist. It was Fran Lebowitz who saved me and made me begin thinking of writing again when she said "there are too many books, the books are terrible, and this is because you have all been taught to have self esteem." Perhaps my internal, recovering catholic editor was right for once.
Here I am, back at square one writing again, however this time with a sense of loathing of any new idea I may have. Hopefully only the best will filter through so I have enough confidence to submit something after a few drafts. There is nothing in life as useless as a writer, yet nothing as important as story.
I hope to meet some folks, and maybe get a beta team together so that someone can get their work out to the great unknown.
So far I like where writing has taken me. I don't know what everyone else does in their process, but I immerse myself in a subject. Suspension of disbelief is huge for me, its usually why I don't like Sci-fi or Fantasy. Though it can't be denied that many of our most timeless stories around the world can be considered Sci-fi or Fantasy. I tend to gravitate towards crime, thrillers, suspense, and police/military procedurals. I've met people of terrible intent, people of ridiculous opulence, been to nearly every continent, and lost and found myself many times over - simply in an attempt to find a new world or existence to write about. I didn't even know there was a name for this until I discovered Hunter S. Thompson in my early twenties. He called it Gonzo journalism, so I guess that makes me a gonzo novelist. It was Fran Lebowitz who saved me and made me begin thinking of writing again when she said "there are too many books, the books are terrible, and this is because you have all been taught to have self esteem." Perhaps my internal, recovering catholic editor was right for once.
Here I am, back at square one writing again, however this time with a sense of loathing of any new idea I may have. Hopefully only the best will filter through so I have enough confidence to submit something after a few drafts. There is nothing in life as useless as a writer, yet nothing as important as story.
I hope to meet some folks, and maybe get a beta team together so that someone can get their work out to the great unknown.
