HOME | POLITICS | SPORTS | LIFE | SCI/TECH | OPEDS | HELPFUL TIPS
|
 By Argile Stox Feb. 18, 2006 Since I have written about my “Writing Funk,” I have received numerous suggestions and well wishes from the readers of U-K and other message boards on the Net. The e-mails have comforted me and I have tried to utilize every one of the suggestions offered. I really appreciate the fact that individuals do care about their fellow writers and are willing to take time out of their day to offer advice. Today, I tried to write a few paragraphs of a fictional short story that has been writing itself in my mind for quite some time. However, after reading what I had written – I hit the delete key, because the tone of the piece lacked “heart.” If you are a writer – Dear Reader, you know exactly what I mean. When I write an article for U-K, my author’s voice is dramatic and my thoughts are very clear. However, writing fiction is a completely different style than what I am used to writing – which is non-fiction. The topic of my short story is a comedic ethnic send-up of a religious food custom. Relax everyone; the short story has nothing to do with the followers of Islam. The short story concerns a forbidden food that certain religious individual‘s are completely forbidden to consume. Tracy always laughs, and it brings her to the point of tears each time I present new material on that subject. The problem that plagues this writer is, every time I start to write the short story – my mind asks this simple question: “Argile – Are you writing this short story for your own edification, to share with family members, or to submit to a magazine?” That thought completely terminates the completion of the paragraph I was working on, and I delete it. I then stare at the blank screen; the cursor continually blinks and mocks me to continue to write the short story. Due to my experience with PublishAmerica, the joy of writing has been corrupted and completely drained from my mind. I remember when my manuscript was accepted – I was elated. I jumped for joy when the contract arrived, affixed my signature to it and placed the envelope in the mailbox. Tears welled up in my eye sockets when the author copies arrived. However, as time passed – my joy degraded to hopelessness when booksellers refused to shelve my book, and sales were stagnant. Yes, I can still write non-fiction. However, I would really enjoy writing a completely absurd fictional short story that would produce an individual to laugh so hard – that it would bring them to tears. However, the failure of PublishAmerica to spend a few dollars to market my memoir, and bookseller‘s refusal to shelve it, haunts me. Yeah, I know – publishers, booksellers, have shunned many good writers. These writer‘s did not wave the white flag, continued to pursue, and hone their craft. Eventually, the writer‘s who did not give up - were finally recognized, and received accolades from their peers. Yet, I question whether I am a “good” writer. I am not expecting a pat on the back; I have received good reviews from individuals who have read my memoir. However, my book can‘t be shelved in nationwide bookstores (due to the short discount and lousy percentage on returns that PublishAmerica offers), so that the public can hold it in their hands – read a few pages, and then decide to buy it. What I am trying to convey is that general book buying public does not have an opportunity to validate my work. That is why I am so ambivalent about writing, anything. The fire in my mind to create a short story, novel, or even a “posted-note” is severely lacking. Maybe, it would be a good idea for me to “hang it up” for a while and forget about writing. Like a retired gunslinger – I know when to quit. As the song by Kenny Rogers’s states - “You got to know when to hold’em and know when to fold’em.” ------------ Email Argile Stox: argilestox@gmail.com Comment on this article here! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
