Read Books by AWers!

Welcome! The Newbie Guide To Absolute Write

If this site is helpful to you,
Please consider a voluntary subscription to defray ongoing expenses.

Visit the AW chat room!
If you have an IRC program, just visit the #AbsoluteWrite channel on StarChat
Some helpful chat tips.

Save an extra 10% on one item with coupon C3R3URC! See site for details.


Go Back   Absolute Write Water Cooler > Welcome to the Water Cooler > Bulletin Board
Reload this Page Happy Uncle-Jim-Thread Anniversary! Come celebrate with Us!
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Reply
Page 1 of 4 1 234
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 11-13-2009, 10:04 PM   #1
MacAllister
'Twas but a dream of thee
El Jefe
 
MacAllister's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Out on a limb
Posts: 12,677
MacAllister is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMacAllister is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMacAllister is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMacAllister is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMacAllister is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMacAllister is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMacAllister is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMacAllister is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMacAllister is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMacAllister is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMacAllister is so great that we've run out of appropriate compliments
Happy Uncle-Jim-Thread Anniversary! Come celebrate with Us!
Six years ago today, Jim Macdonald wrote:
Quote:
It strikes me that there's a need for a thread on the art and craft of writing commercial novels.

To that end, I'd like to start that discussion...
A few weeks after that, I followed a link from elsewhere on the web to Absolute Write, because a writer and editor I respected was heartily endorsing the Uncle Jim thread, as we've come to call it, over the years. I've been here, since.

Learn Writing With Uncle Jim is now six years old, hundreds of pages long, and in its second incarnation. We've done an index and a compilation. And still, new people are finding the thread and asking their questions.

Happy Anniversary, Uncle Jim, and thank you so very much for your tireless efforts to offer succor and aid to newbie writers everywhere. I can't imagine how different this place would be without you.
__________________
AW on Twitter!

Absolute Poetry, Volume 1
by the Poets of Absolute Write


Last edited by MacAllister; 11-13-2009 at 11:28 PM.
MacAllister is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 10:05 PM   #2
Stew21
teh evil broad
AW Supermod
 
Stew21's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: in a double dog dare community
Posts: 18,778
Stew21 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsStew21 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsStew21 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsStew21 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsStew21 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsStew21 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsStew21 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsStew21 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsStew21 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsStew21 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsStew21 is so great that we've run out of appropriate compliments
Thank you, Uncle Jim! What an amazing gift you've given us.
__________________
Stew's Song - then we're gonna find our best friend, Bug!

Yours, Mine...Ours
Chapter 11 is posted.


Absolute Poetry, Vol. 1
by the poets of Absolute Write
Stew21 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 10:09 PM   #3
DeleyanLee
Writing Anarchist
 
DeleyanLee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: In the proud land of Black and Gold
Posts: 7,610
DeleyanLee is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsDeleyanLee is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsDeleyanLee is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsDeleyanLee is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsDeleyanLee is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsDeleyanLee is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsDeleyanLee is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsDeleyanLee is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsDeleyanLee is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsDeleyanLee is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsDeleyanLee is so great that we've run out of appropriate compliments
Jim proves that uncles are one of the bestest relatives to have.

Thanks, Uncle Jim.
__________________
You have to be irresponsible, or you're not telling the best stories." --Joss Whedon


"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it." --Lou Holtz
DeleyanLee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 10:11 PM   #4
Medievalist
Cultus Gopherus MacAllister
 
Medievalist's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Greater Seattle
Posts: 11,005
Medievalist is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMedievalist is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMedievalist is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMedievalist is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMedievalist is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMedievalist is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMedievalist is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMedievalist is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMedievalist is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMedievalist is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMedievalist is so great that we've run out of appropriate compliments
Thank you so much Jim Macdonald. You've made an enormous difference in so very very many ways.
__________________

Absolute Write - the Website

All Things Macintosh | Poetry
I blog about beer and wine and
Something Pacific Northwest and Celtic Stuff
Lisa L. Spangenberg | Digital Medievalist

My opinions are my own. | Who else would want them?
Medievalist is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 10:11 PM   #5
MacAllister
'Twas but a dream of thee
El Jefe
 
MacAllister's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Out on a limb
Posts: 12,677
MacAllister is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMacAllister is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMacAllister is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMacAllister is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMacAllister is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMacAllister is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMacAllister is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMacAllister is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMacAllister is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMacAllister is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsMacAllister is so great that we've run out of appropriate compliments
Heh - Did you guys see what our own Old Hack did to celebrate?
__________________
AW on Twitter!

Absolute Poetry, Volume 1
by the Poets of Absolute Write


MacAllister is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 10:53 PM   #6
cray
ginormous thread ass
 
cray's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Post #37264
Posts: 10,785
cray is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentscray is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentscray is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentscray is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentscray is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentscray is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentscray is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentscray is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentscray is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentscray is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentscray is so great that we've run out of appropriate compliments
long time lurker on uncle jim's thread here.....

many many thanks to you, sir!
cray is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 10:55 PM   #7
Little Red Barn
x0x0
 
Little Red Barn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,244
Little Red Barn is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsLittle Red Barn is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsLittle Red Barn is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsLittle Red Barn is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsLittle Red Barn is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsLittle Red Barn is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsLittle Red Barn is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsLittle Red Barn is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsLittle Red Barn is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsLittle Red Barn is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsLittle Red Barn is so great that we've run out of appropriate compliments
Thank you kindly, Uncle Jim!
__________________



Go ahead, hit it for AW!
Little Red Barn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 10:58 PM   #8
firedrake
Pesky vikings
 
firedrake's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Useless Hacksville
Posts: 6,463
firedrake is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsfiredrake is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsfiredrake is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsfiredrake is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsfiredrake is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsfiredrake is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsfiredrake is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsfiredrake is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsfiredrake is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsfiredrake is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsfiredrake is so great that we've run out of appropriate compliments
Awesome, awesome thread, Uncle Jim.

You're a star.
__________________
Only a fool comes between me and my coffee.
Oh...and I love my avatar

A Kestrel Rising - Trunked Mebbe not just yet
A Poppy for Christopher - Resting 80k
Through the Mist - First Draft Done 76k

NaNo - Empty Places 56.8k/50k

I tweets a bit.

I also has a blog
firedrake is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 10:59 PM   #9
quickWit
Is this thing on?
 
quickWit's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,720
quickWit is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsquickWit is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsquickWit is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsquickWit is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsquickWit is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsquickWit is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsquickWit is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsquickWit is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsquickWit is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsquickWit is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsquickWit is so great that we've run out of appropriate compliments
Thank you for sharing your invaluable insights, Uncle Jim!
__________________
Chip, douche. Chip. ~ the lovely, vivacious, AuntyBug
quickWit is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 11:02 PM   #10
melaniehoo
homeward bound
 
melaniehoo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: still in Mexico
Posts: 4,840
melaniehoo is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsmelaniehoo is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsmelaniehoo is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsmelaniehoo is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsmelaniehoo is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsmelaniehoo is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsmelaniehoo is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsmelaniehoo is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsmelaniehoo is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsmelaniehoo is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsmelaniehoo is so great that we've run out of appropriate compliments
Thank you Uncle Jim.

bawk bawk!
__________________
NEW BLOG --> Hoosblog
.
What am I Doing in Mexico? You know you're curious...
Another New Blog!
Tweet. My website
melaniehoo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 11:05 PM   #11
ChaosTitan
Coming Soon...
AW Mod
 
ChaosTitan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Dreg City
Posts: 11,562
ChaosTitan is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsChaosTitan is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsChaosTitan is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsChaosTitan is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsChaosTitan is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsChaosTitan is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsChaosTitan is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsChaosTitan is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsChaosTitan is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsChaosTitan is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsChaosTitan is so great that we've run out of appropriate compliments
__________________
Blog: Organized Chaos | Facebook | Website | Twitter

Available Now

"Meding delivers a thrilling urban fantasy full of desperate humans and menacing evil. Especially impressive are her worldbuilding skills, which she uses to deftly paint a portrait of a city on the edge of disaster." --Romantic Times (4.5 stars)

READ THE FIRST CHAPTER HERE.
FREE SHORT STORIES!!!!
ChaosTitan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 11:07 PM   #12
Sarashay
Fool on the Hill
 
Sarashay's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 230
Sarashay has a spectacular auraSarashay has a spectacular aura
Thank you for sharing your wisdom and knowledge with us, Uncle Jim!
__________________
'shay

I Haz A Blog Nao!
Sarashay is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 11:07 PM   #13
Scribhneoir
AW Addict
 
Scribhneoir's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 587
Scribhneoir is a shiny, shiny jewelScribhneoir is a shiny, shiny jewel
Six years -- wow!

Thanks for all the years of advice and encouragement, Uncle Jim. It's the best course in fiction writing anyone could ask for and all for free. What a truly amazing gift you've given to writers everywhere.
__________________





"Of course, the Saint's much cleverer than I am--partly because I can spend two days making the deduction or the decision that comes to him in a flash when you read it." -- Leslie Charteris
Scribhneoir is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 11:08 PM   #14
CoreKnell
New kid, be gentle!
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Berkeley, CA
Posts: 13
CoreKnell is on a distinguished road
What a great resource from a great mind. Hats off and happy anniversary!
__________________
Chris Cornell
Viable Paradise XIII
http://chris.coreknell.com
CoreKnell is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 11:09 PM   #15
jst5150
Magnificent Rack
AW Mod
 
jst5150's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Milwaukee Deep
Posts: 4,582
jst5150 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsjst5150 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsjst5150 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsjst5150 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsjst5150 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsjst5150 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsjst5150 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsjst5150 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsjst5150 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsjst5150 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsjst5150 is so great that we've run out of appropriate compliments
Thanks for the advice and counsel, Uncle Jim!
__________________
Tales of the Gunfighter Hollis Brown
by the Poets of Absolute Write (Book/Download)
edited by Jason Tudor (jst5150)
Proceeds support Absolute Write
Become a Fan of Hollis on Facebook

Absolute Poetry, Volume 1
by the Poets of Absolute Write (Book/Download)
edited by Rob McCreery (poetinahat)
Proceeds support Absolute Write
jst5150 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 11:13 PM   #16
sunna
a more different S
 
sunna's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Closer than you think.
Posts: 3,916
sunna is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentssunna is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentssunna is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentssunna is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentssunna is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentssunna is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentssunna is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentssunna is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentssunna is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentssunna is so great that we've run out of appropriate compliments
Thank you, Uncle Jim! Your wisdom has been such a big help to so many.
__________________
My blog: The Purple Patch
___________________________________
"Listen, strange women lyin' in ponds distributin' swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony."
(Monty Python. You know you love it.)
sunna is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 11:19 PM   #17
Old Hack
I have a very useful cat
Absolute Sage
 
Old Hack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 1,634
Old Hack is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsOld Hack is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsOld Hack is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsOld Hack is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsOld Hack is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsOld Hack is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsOld Hack is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsOld Hack is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsOld Hack is so great that we've run out of appropriate compliments
I have worked in publishing for a while, on several sides of its oddly-dimensional fence, and I can say with all honesty that I've learned more from Uncle Jim and his brilliant, inspirational thread than from many of the publishing professionals that I've met over the years.

My warmest thanks for all you've done, Mr Jim. It is much appreciated.
__________________
My blogs: How Publishing Really Works and The Self-Publishing Review.

And considering how short a space I have on Twitter, I manage to say an awful lot.
Old Hack is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 11:19 PM   #18
Dru
Professionally Paranoid
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: SF Bay Area, CA
Posts: 394
Dru is on a distinguished road
Thanks Uncle Jim!!

The original thread two or three AW incarnations (and a few years) ago got me writing again, participating in NaNoWriMo (aka B-i-C for a month), then submitting to Viable Paradise, and now finally submitting to agents and paying markets.

Not to mention it got me a great crit group, a new community, and many new friends!
Dru is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 11:22 PM   #19
laurafre
If I was a rich girl.
 
laurafre's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Under a blanket.
Posts: 1,399
laurafre leaves trails of profuse coolnesslaurafre leaves trails of profuse coolnesslaurafre leaves trails of profuse coolnesslaurafre leaves trails of profuse coolnesslaurafre leaves trails of profuse coolness
Thank you uncle Jim,
I am learning a lot from you!!!
__________________
- - Laura

Quote:
Originally Posted by scarletpeaches View Post
I am the only god in my universe.

laurafre is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 11:24 PM   #20
allenparker
Naked Futon Guy
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Virginia
Posts: 771
allenparker is a splendid one to beholdallenparker is a splendid one to beholdallenparker is a splendid one to behold
smiles and happiness
Thanks, Jim, for all the wonderful advice, colorful comments, and rich examples of how writing should be. Allen
__________________
Just a naked thought from the Palatial futon.... Allen

Secret Blog Zone

My Web Space
allenparker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 11:31 PM   #21
HConn
Whore for genre
 
HConn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Inside a cursed painting
Posts: 759
HConn has earned our admirationHConn has earned our admirationHConn has earned our admirationHConn has earned our admiration
Thank you for your expertise, common sense, and valuable time. We're grateful.
__________________
Look for CHILD OF FIRE, out right now from Del Rey! Read a sample chapter. Hey! A starred review from Publishers Weekly! Oh, and it's been named to Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2009 list!
HConn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 11:35 PM   #22
euclid
Hunting wuxen among the grrch trees
 
euclid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Entibore
Posts: 1,399
euclid is a splendid one to beholdeuclid is a splendid one to beholdeuclid is a splendid one to behold
Yes, well done and congratulations from a newbie. I love your no nonsense, no frills approach. And I really wish you'd write that how-to book.
__________________
Oops, I blogged. I'll clean it up later (Latest post: January 14, 2010)
WIP4: 80,800 (to February 9) Nearly there!
WIP3: 106,000 (edit 16) complete !!

From the moment I picked up your book until I put it down, I couldn't stop laughing. I can't wait to read it. (G. Marx)
euclid is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 11:39 PM   #23
auntybug
teh other evil broad
 
auntybug's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,432
auntybug is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsauntybug is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsauntybug is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsauntybug is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsauntybug is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsauntybug is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsauntybug is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsauntybug is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsauntybug is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsauntybug is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentsauntybug is so great that we've run out of appropriate compliments
You are who I asked my first question to when I first signed up. It was obvious you were the all knowing even when I only had 5 posts. You also answered me right away. I'll never forget it. *sniff* You rock! Thanks for everything!
Lurve,
ab
__________________
Waiter, there's a Bug in my blog.
a.k.a - My milfshake brings all the boys to my blog...
auntybug is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 11:47 PM   #24
callalily61
Squee!
AW Mod
 
callalily61's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Cloud 9 (I've waited 4 years to type that!)
Posts: 15,024
callalily61 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentscallalily61 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentscallalily61 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentscallalily61 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentscallalily61 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentscallalily61 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentscallalily61 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentscallalily61 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentscallalily61 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentscallalily61 is so great that we've run out of appropriate complimentscallalily61 is so great that we've run out of appropriate compliments
Uncle Jim, you're the best!
__________________
Never give up! Never surrender!
Force of Habit coming Spring 2011 from Midnight Ink.
callalily61 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2009, 11:59 PM   #25
Miranda S.
New kid, be gentle!
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 7
Miranda S. is on a distinguished road
Thanks for so many great insights, Uncle Jim. Happy Anniversary
Miranda S. is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 4 1 234

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Linear Mode

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Forum Jump

Custom Search
Bellacor - Free Shipping and Handling  Grasshopper - The Entrepreneur's Phone System MacConnection iRobot - 10% Off All Parts & AccessoriesGo Green with OfficeMax! Environmentally Friendly Office Supplies, Technology, Paper & More.


All times are GMT +4.5. The time now is 11:29 PM.

Contact Us - Absolute Write - Archive - Top

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2010, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.