Since you asked…I’m finding it hard to write in the current state of the world. I don’t want everything I write to be political, and yet…is anyone else grappling with this?
Yes. I'd say that on one hand, I understand on a VISCERAL level that art in all forms has never been more vital, and I can make a case for why my novel-in-progress should be in the world. But I started it 6 or 7 years ago, in what feels like a very different world, and it's disorienting to write a version of contemporary existence where none of *this* is going on.
Lovely to wake up to this in my inbox. I'm in the throes of querying a novel I've been working on for nearly 20 years, which after two years of failed queries in 2022 and 2023 got some feedback to change the pacing. I completely rearranged chapters (again) and added new material to make it more powerful and relevant. I'm in the waiting game, however, as I've had 2 agents and a press request fulls. Still sending out inquiries, and hoping this time around it finds a home. Publishing is so glacially slow, I am grateful to also be a poet and read nearly weekly somewhere in my community to share my work and also support my writing friends.
Maurice! How lovely. I think you have to tell the story that wants to be told, not the one you thought you were telling. How to roll with that on a practical level? I have no idea. I can say that I thought my forthcoming book was one thing for so long and I resisted following narrative paths because they weren't in my original vision and I refused to go there... then I gave in, briefly, and the whole book seemed to simultaneously open up and click into place.
I'm noodling through ideas for my second book (and figuring out how to write a second book). We'll see!
I am working on a narrative nonfiction book about my grandmother. Struggling a little because I want it to bring her honor. I want to get it right. I want it to sing. Putting a lot of pressure on myself. Ugh.
Thanks Marcus, for this community opportunity. About my own writing: I continue to publish cultural reporting--reviews, interviews, previews of concerts, books, art, etc. That is fun and keeps me actively writing and meeting interesting folks such as yourself! I publish mostly in Trend of Santa Fe, The Enchanted Circle News and other outlets in New Mexico and also in Green Left of Australia and some other national outlets. Recently, Sligo Creek Publishing of Maryland published a collection of my poetry Light Bending. And a film of one of my poems screened at the recent Santa Fe Film Festival: "Silence of the Messengers". A challenge for me now is to keep writing a prose memoir which may also trigger some fiction writing, a new area for me. Anyway, I enjoy this forum. Keep it going please!
Your tagline mentions both worry and joy. Putting short stories in order for a collection deeply involves both, I’m finding! Happy I can look at a collection and think, “I made that!” but full of worry over 1) the “right” story order 2) the “sins” my characters commit (or experience) and whether readers will be put off 3) the stories in the collection that are as-yet unpublished (about half) & therefore “unproven” and 4) finding a home for it
I think those are all normal concerns. I had my editor pick my order to help with the stress. As for bad actions by your characters, that's a major reason readers like short stories. It's an asset not a negative.
Hanging in there, still employed. Revising a collection of stories I wrote ten years ago. Really enlightening to sink back into my 2014-15 brain and revise.
My new writing has been rolling, too, and could be called non-fiction dystopia. Still gothic and gut-punchy with a dash of speculative sauce. Because the planet keeps spinning.
I appreciate this community you have curated, Maurice. I am a children's book writer - so easy right? If that were the case I would have several published books under my belt. When you write for children, esp. pre-adolescents, you are writing for two audiences simultaneously: the child and their gatekeeper, the parent.
I have "finished" my first book at least 4 times over the past 7 years, only to be told by critiquers that there is still more work to be done. This Friday I finished it for what I hope is the last time. I have to now transcribe it (because I flow better writing longhand) before I begin looking for an agent. I'm grateful for the whole process - including years of anxious avoidance of the book - because I have gathered more tools and developed more patience for getting to know the main character and her community better. While I'm a little nervous that there's still much more editing ahead, I'm also less invested in the timeline. I believe it will come forth when it's time, and that many other book ideas will continue to be unlocked.
Hey friendTor! You know I’m still working on my mom’s memoir, but also I’m praying I get this job I applied for. A journalist role, in another city (Memphis!) Because I can’t write (or really function) without financial stability. Also as much as I love our native land, I’ve done all I can here. Gonna let the post-Katrina transplants and influencers and coastal erosion have it for now.
So glad I found this today. I’m a playwright and I’ve had some success with my essays over the years. I’ve been on substack since September - more and more active and I think my challenge right now is finding the consistency of just sharing…. That goes for everything. Some posts are more vulnerable that others. I like the things I’m sharing, but I have so much to share, and finding that cadence / consistency is where I am struggling right now.
Since you asked…I’m finding it hard to write in the current state of the world. I don’t want everything I write to be political, and yet…is anyone else grappling with this?
I think that you ought to write what matters to you. If that's politics, then go ahead. You can't fight yourself.
Yes. I'd say that on one hand, I understand on a VISCERAL level that art in all forms has never been more vital, and I can make a case for why my novel-in-progress should be in the world. But I started it 6 or 7 years ago, in what feels like a very different world, and it's disorienting to write a version of contemporary existence where none of *this* is going on.
Hi Sarah! It's so true that the world changes and we change but the book may feel static. Still, that throwback feeling may be charming to some
Lovely to wake up to this in my inbox. I'm in the throes of querying a novel I've been working on for nearly 20 years, which after two years of failed queries in 2022 and 2023 got some feedback to change the pacing. I completely rearranged chapters (again) and added new material to make it more powerful and relevant. I'm in the waiting game, however, as I've had 2 agents and a press request fulls. Still sending out inquiries, and hoping this time around it finds a home. Publishing is so glacially slow, I am grateful to also be a poet and read nearly weekly somewhere in my community to share my work and also support my writing friends.
It true, Lilliana, there's so many things to consider. It's really a mix of persistence, craftiness and good fortune that wins the day.
Maurice! How lovely. I think you have to tell the story that wants to be told, not the one you thought you were telling. How to roll with that on a practical level? I have no idea. I can say that I thought my forthcoming book was one thing for so long and I resisted following narrative paths because they weren't in my original vision and I refused to go there... then I gave in, briefly, and the whole book seemed to simultaneously open up and click into place.
I'm noodling through ideas for my second book (and figuring out how to write a second book). We'll see!
I'm glad you're sticking with it! I feel like the writing comes when we stop fighting ourselves. 💚
I am working on a narrative nonfiction book about my grandmother. Struggling a little because I want it to bring her honor. I want to get it right. I want it to sing. Putting a lot of pressure on myself. Ugh.
I would suggest that she would want you to succeed, so you can't fail. You're her no. 1 fan.💐
THANKS. Just the shot in the arm I needed.
You're welcome, Marie!🌺
Thanks Marcus, for this community opportunity. About my own writing: I continue to publish cultural reporting--reviews, interviews, previews of concerts, books, art, etc. That is fun and keeps me actively writing and meeting interesting folks such as yourself! I publish mostly in Trend of Santa Fe, The Enchanted Circle News and other outlets in New Mexico and also in Green Left of Australia and some other national outlets. Recently, Sligo Creek Publishing of Maryland published a collection of my poetry Light Bending. And a film of one of my poems screened at the recent Santa Fe Film Festival: "Silence of the Messengers". A challenge for me now is to keep writing a prose memoir which may also trigger some fiction writing, a new area for me. Anyway, I enjoy this forum. Keep it going please!
I'm happy you enjoy it, William! It sounds like you have a varied and productive writing life. Keep it up!
Your tagline mentions both worry and joy. Putting short stories in order for a collection deeply involves both, I’m finding! Happy I can look at a collection and think, “I made that!” but full of worry over 1) the “right” story order 2) the “sins” my characters commit (or experience) and whether readers will be put off 3) the stories in the collection that are as-yet unpublished (about half) & therefore “unproven” and 4) finding a home for it
I think those are all normal concerns. I had my editor pick my order to help with the stress. As for bad actions by your characters, that's a major reason readers like short stories. It's an asset not a negative.
Hanging in there, still employed. Revising a collection of stories I wrote ten years ago. Really enlightening to sink back into my 2014-15 brain and revise.
My new writing has been rolling, too, and could be called non-fiction dystopia. Still gothic and gut-punchy with a dash of speculative sauce. Because the planet keeps spinning.
Sounds like you're having a great time. That's a reward all by itself!
I appreciate this community you have curated, Maurice. I am a children's book writer - so easy right? If that were the case I would have several published books under my belt. When you write for children, esp. pre-adolescents, you are writing for two audiences simultaneously: the child and their gatekeeper, the parent.
I have "finished" my first book at least 4 times over the past 7 years, only to be told by critiquers that there is still more work to be done. This Friday I finished it for what I hope is the last time. I have to now transcribe it (because I flow better writing longhand) before I begin looking for an agent. I'm grateful for the whole process - including years of anxious avoidance of the book - because I have gathered more tools and developed more patience for getting to know the main character and her community better. While I'm a little nervous that there's still much more editing ahead, I'm also less invested in the timeline. I believe it will come forth when it's time, and that many other book ideas will continue to be unlocked.
I’m writing a play and it is hard but beautiful work. Thanks for asking.
Alright! Break a leg
Hey friendTor! You know I’m still working on my mom’s memoir, but also I’m praying I get this job I applied for. A journalist role, in another city (Memphis!) Because I can’t write (or really function) without financial stability. Also as much as I love our native land, I’ve done all I can here. Gonna let the post-Katrina transplants and influencers and coastal erosion have it for now.
Oh no, Megan! It's heartbreaking that you're leaving but I understand. Opportunity is so hard to come by. You know you're going to be missed by many.
Ah,to commune and share is inherent to advance species is my first impression.1st Jazz Fest week ,we celebrate the sun coming out with a Second Line!
Yes sir we do!☀️
So glad I found this today. I’m a playwright and I’ve had some success with my essays over the years. I’ve been on substack since September - more and more active and I think my challenge right now is finding the consistency of just sharing…. That goes for everything. Some posts are more vulnerable that others. I like the things I’m sharing, but I have so much to share, and finding that cadence / consistency is where I am struggling right now.
Same. I've gone through wild swings. Sometimes I'm very consistent. Other times, life had Other plans!
I’m taking notes on how you handle this Substack contraption!
Hahaha, if I figure this thing out, I'll let you know 😉