Comments on: Writing the Wild Within: Part 4 – Standing Out From the Crowd

By: Ellen Wilson

Ellen Wilson — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:13:55 +0000

Melissa,

I’m glad you figured that out. That had to be frustrating. I’m sure it was freaky!

I’m a generalist in knowledge, but I only write certain forms: short stories, novel, and articles. I thought I’d try romances to break into the women’s lit marketplace, but that would entail reading tons of romances. And I just can’t see myself doing that.

I wouldn’t mind adapting my short stories or novels to screeplays. Especially the novel I’m working on now. I have no idea what getting involved in Hollywood would entail. People there can’t be any worse than here, eh?

By: Melissa Donovan

Melissa Donovan — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 23:26:09 +0000

Ellen, Yay! I'm so relieved my comments are going through now. That was freaking me out. I'm a generalist in fiction too but I'd really like to get into sci-fi/fantasy. That adds a lot of extra challenges though. I also get a lot of ideas for screenwriting but I don't think I want to get involved in Hollywood... Melissa Donovan's last blog post..Improve Your Writing: Get Feedback

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Sat, 07 Jun 2008 05:24:52 +0000

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By: Ellen Wilson

Ellen Wilson — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 23:42:48 +0000

@Darren – I agree with you. But if you want to make a living at your art do you then think in terms of your resume? You have to put it together in some coherent form in order to sell yourself. But your current post really hit me hard. It seems to then come down to the individual versus society again.

@Karen – I like to have these discussions so we can share all this info with eachother. No, we won’t always agree with eachother, but we can assimilate all the information and then make up our minds. We need eachother to have these discussions. Thanks for stopping by and adding your ideas. I value your opinion.

@Janice – It is all about conviction. And passion. That’s pretty funny John told the critic to get out of his studio. Who does the critic think he is, anyway? They take on the role of judge and jury. King of like, “I will authenticate you. I have the power. No one else.” WE decide who we will give power to. But that is how society is I guess.

Thanks for your comments everyone. I know you all are very busy. I value your time and support.

By: Janice Cartier

Janice Cartier — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 21:10:15 +0000

Ellen,
I read Kelly’s post and really loved it. A mentor of mine was questioned in his studio by a New York Times art critique. In question was John’s prolific art work across many media. John told the critic (pardon me) to” get the fuck out of his studio” if he didn’t like it. As John was telling me the story, he said he considers being able to work in several media a fluency. I had asked him about that very thing. He was in every piece of work, consistently and with absolute passion of conviction. So there was a specialty there . The niche of John. The MacArthur Foundation loved the niche of John so much, they gave him one of their Genius Awards.
My point? Pick your conviction and go after it in whatever form it takes. Even if it takes many forms.
Thanks for reminding me of that story. It so very important to tap the very bits of us that make us who we are.

Janice Cartier’s last blog post..The Weekend 30 Minute Challenge